Key Facts
- To use U.S. documents in Europe, an apostille is often required for legal recognition.
- An apostille verifies the authenticity of documents, confirming signatures and seals.
- Common documents needing an apostille include birth certificates, diplomas, and corporate papers.
- Processing times for an apostille can vary from same-day to several weeks, depending on the method.
- Working with a professional service like Anshin Mobile Notary can simplify the apostille process significantly.
If you’re planning to work, study, get married, or conduct business in Europe, you may be asked to provide legal documents from the United States. However, for your documents to be recognized abroad, they often require an apostille — a form of authentication accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we guide clients through the process of getting their documents apostilled quickly and accurately so they can be used seamlessly in Europe.
European Country Apostille Requirement Comparison
| Country | Additional Requirements | Notes for Los Angeles Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| France | Certified French translation often required after apostille. | We can provide certified French translators familiar with French civil registry standards. |
| Germany | Sworn translator (“beeidigte Übersetzer”) may be required. | We supply certified translators who prepare documents according to German authority requirements. |
| Spain | Civil documents often must be issued within the last 90 days. | Before apostille, request a fresh certified copy from the issuing agency if the document is older. |
| Italy | Older documents may require additional consulate legalization, depending on purpose. | We assist with newer certified copies and ensure your paperwork meets Italian consular standards. |
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated authority (in California, this is the California Secretary of State) that verifies the authenticity of a document. It confirms that:
- The signature on the document is genuine
- The person signing the document had the proper authority
- The seal or stamp on the document is authentic
Once a document has an apostille, it will be accepted by all Hague Convention member countries — including most European nations such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Why You Need an Apostille for Europe
European governments, universities, and businesses often require proof that U.S.-issued documents are authentic before they can be used officially. Without an apostille, your document may be rejected, causing delays and complications.
Common reasons for needing an apostille for Europe include:
- Marriage abroad – Apostilling your birth certificate or single status affidavit for marriage in France or Italy
- Study or work abroad – Apostilling diplomas, transcripts, or professional licenses
- Business transactions – Apostilling corporate agreements, powers of attorney, or incorporation papers
- Inheritance matters – Apostilling wills, probate documents, or notarized affidavits
Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Document for Use in Europe
Step 1: Determine if Your Document Needs an Apostille
Not all documents require an apostille. Typically, the requesting European authority will specify the requirement. Common documents include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- School diplomas and transcripts
- Adoption papers
- Corporate formation documents
- Notarized powers of attorney
If you are unsure, Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can review your situation and advise you.
Step 2: Prepare the Document Correctly
Documents must be in the correct form before an apostille can be issued. For example:
- Vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) must be original, certified copies issued by the county or state.
- Notarized documents must be properly notarized by a California notary public (if being apostilled in California).
- Educational documents often require verification by the issuing institution before apostille processing.
Step 3: Choose the Correct Apostille Authority
In California, the Secretary of State issues apostilles. If your document was issued in another state, you must obtain the apostille from that state’s designated authority. Federal documents, such as those issued by the FBI, require an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
Step 4: Submit the Document for Apostille
You have three main submission options:
1. In-Person Submission
If time is critical, you can visit the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento or Los Angeles. This often provides same-day or next-day processing.
2. Mail Submission
You can send documents via USPS, FedEx, or another courier. However, mail processing may take a few days to weeks.
3. Use a Professional Apostille Service
Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan can handle the entire process for you, including notarization, document preparation, and secure submission to the correct authority.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document
Once processed, your document will be returned with the apostille certificate attached. You can then send or present it to the requesting European authority.
Timeline for Getting an Apostille for Europe
Processing times vary:
- In-person – Often same day
- By mail – 1–3 weeks depending on workload
- With our professional service – As fast as 1–3 business days, depending on document type and location
Apostille Requirements by European Country
While the apostille itself is universally recognized in Hague Convention countries, some European nations have additional preferences:
- France – Documents may require a certified French translation after apostille.
- Germany – May require translations to be completed by a sworn translator.
- Spain – Often requests recent (within 90 days) versions of civil documents.
- Italy – For marriage or citizenship, apostilled documents often must also be legalized by an Italian consulate if they predate the Hague Convention membership.
We recommend confirming with the receiving authority before submitting documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting uncertified copies – Only originals or certified copies can be apostilled.
- Using the wrong notarial wording – The notarial certificate must comply with California requirements.
- Forgetting translations – If the European authority requires the document in their language, arrange for certified translation after the apostille.
- Waiting until the last minute – International processing can take longer than expected.
How Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan Can Help
We provide end-to-end apostille services for individuals and businesses needing their documents recognized in Europe. Our services include:
- Mobile notarization at your location
- Document review to ensure eligibility for apostille
- Secure submission to the correct state or federal authority
- Expedited processing options
- Assistance with certified translations if required
Whether you are in Los Angeles, Ventura County, or anywhere in California, we make the process easy, fast, and stress-free.
Related Services You Might Need
If you’re preparing documents for international use, you may also be interested in:
- How to Apostille Your Birth Certificate for Travel
- What Documents Require an Apostille for International Use?
- Apostille Services in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions About Apostilling Documents for Europe (Los Angeles, CA)
Do all European countries require an apostille?
No. Only countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention require an apostille. Most European nations—including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands—participate in the Convention. If you are submitting documents in Europe, always verify the requirement with the receiving authority.
Is one apostille valid for use in multiple European countries?
Yes. Once California issues an apostille, it is accepted in every Hague Convention member state. This means the same document can typically be used across multiple European countries, provided that each authority requires the same document type.
How long is a California apostille valid for use in Europe?
An apostille itself does not expire, but European agencies often require “recent” supporting documents. Many civil registries in Europe prefer U.S. birth certificates, marriage certificates, or background checks issued within 90 days. When in doubt, request a fresh certified copy before apostille.
Do I need a translation before or after getting the apostille?
In most cases, you get the apostille first, then obtain a certified translation afterward. Countries such as France, Italy, Germany, and Spain frequently require translations for official use. If you need help, we also offer a full range of certified translators experienced in European requirements.
Can I apostille a digital or electronically signed document in California?
Not typically. California apostilles require physical documents with original wet signatures or certified copies. Digital notarization is not yet accepted for apostille purposes in California. If the document is notarized in Los Angeles, ensure it follows proper California notarial wording before submission.
Where do I get a document apostilled in Los Angeles?
Apostilles for California-issued documents are processed by the California Secretary of State. You may submit documents in-person at the Los Angeles regional office, by mail, or through a professional service. For faster results, many clients use our Apostille Services in Los Angeles for document review, notarization, and secure submission.
How long does it take to get an apostille for use in Europe?
Processing times vary widely:
• In-person (Los Angeles): often same day
• Mail submission: 1–3 weeks
• With our service: typically 1–3 business days depending on document type
What are the most common documents apostilled for Europe?
The most frequently apostilled documents for European use include:
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Diplomas and transcripts
• FBI and state background checks
• Corporate documents and powers of attorney
• Notarized affidavits
For a deeper overview, see our guide: Apostille Services for International Legal Documents.
Final Thoughts
Getting an apostille for use in Europe can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. By working with a trusted provider like Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, you can ensure your documents are correctly prepared, processed quickly, and accepted abroad without delays.
If you need help with your apostille request for Europe, contact us today and let our experienced team handle everything from start to finish.
