A Notary Is Required Before You Can Get an Apostille
Every private document, including power of attorney, affidavit, contract, diploma copy, and corporate resolution, must be notarized by a commissioned notary public before the state will issue an apostille. Remote Notary Online USA handles both steps for you, 100% online, available 24/7.
Why Notarization Is Mandatory for an Apostille
The apostille does not authenticate your document. It authenticates your notary's signature. That means notarization is not optional. It is the mandatory first step for any private document.
An apostille is an official government certificate that authenticates the signature and seal of a public official on a document so that the document is legally recognized in any of the 129 Hague Convention member countries. But here is the critical point most people miss: the apostille authenticates the notary's signature, not the document itself.
That means before the New York State Department of State can issue an apostille, a licensed notary public must first sign and seal the document. The NYS DOS then apostilles the notary's signature, confirming that the notary is commissioned and in good standing in New York State.
Without notarization, the NYS DOS will reject your apostille application. There is no workaround. A notary is not optional. It is the mandatory first step in the apostille process for any private document.
The Two-Step Process: Notarization Then Apostille
One provider. Both steps handled. 100% online.
Remote Online Notarization
Connect with Lisa E. Christmas, NYS Commissioned Notary Public, via secure video call. Your document is notarized with an official seal and digital certificate, fully compliant with New York Executive Law 135-c. Available same day, 24/7.
Accepts foreign passports. No US address required. Works for clients worldwide.
Apostille Submission to NYS DOS
Once notarized, we handle the complete apostille submission to the New York State Department of State on your behalf. Standard and same-day rush processing available. Your apostille is accepted in all 129 Hague Convention countries.
We submit directly to NYS DOS. No trips to Albany. No mailing delays.
Documents That Require Notarization Before Apostille
The following document types must be notarized before the state will issue an apostille. If your document is on this list, you need a notary first and we handle both steps.
Legal Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Affidavit
- Sworn Statement
- Deposition
- Legal Declaration
- Consent Letter
Personal Documents
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of Driver's License
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Authorization Letter
- Parental Consent
Corporate and Business
- Corporate Resolution
- Articles of Incorporation (copy)
- Certificate of Good Standing (copy)
- Business Authorization Letter
- Commercial Invoice
- Certificate of Free Sale
Academic and Professional
- Diploma Copy
- Transcript Copy
- Professional License Copy
- Letter of Reference
- Employment Verification Letter
- Medical Records Copy
Government-issued originals such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court orders issued with an official government seal may go directly to apostille without notarization. If you are unsure which category your document falls into, contact us and we will tell you exactly what is needed.
Why Remote Notary Online USA Is the Smartest Choice
We are the only step you need. One appointment. Both services handled.
One Provider for Both Steps
Most people hire a notary, then separately find an apostille service. We handle notarization and apostille submission in a single workflow, saving you time, money, and the risk of errors between providers.
NYS Commissioned Notary Public
Lisa E. Christmas is a New York State Commissioned Notary Public. Her signature and seal are recognized by the NYS Department of State for apostille purposes so your document will not be rejected.
100% Remote, No Travel Required
The entire process happens online via secure video call. You can be anywhere in the world. We accept foreign passports. No US address required. No trips to a notary office and no mailing documents to Albany.
Available 24/7 Including Weekends
Apostille deadlines do not respect business hours. We are available around the clock, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Same-day appointments are available.
Same-Day Rush Processing
Need your apostille urgently? Our same-day rush service means your document is notarized and submitted to NYS DOS the same day you contact us. Rush apostille available for qualifying documents.
Accepted in 129 Countries
Your notarized and apostilled document will be legally recognized in all 129 Hague Convention member countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, UAE, Israel, and more.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Bundle pricing available for multiple documents. Call 347-351-7611 for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Get Your Document Notarized and Apostilled?
Book your remote notarization appointment now. We handle everything: notarization, apostille submission, and delivery. Available 24/7.
Same-day appointments available. Foreign passports accepted. Clients worldwide welcome.