What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an authentication certificate issued by a designated government authority verifying the legitimacy of a notarized document for use in another country that is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, powers of attorney, and legal documents frequently require apostilles for international use or recognition.
Who Needs Apostilles?
Individuals relocating internationally, students applying to foreign universities, people getting married abroad, expatriates needing US documents authenticated for foreign government authorities, and international businesses conducting cross-border transactions. This is a niche but high-value market with consistent demand, particularly in cities with significant international and immigrant populations.
How to Offer This Service
Most apostilles require a notarized document first, then submission to the appropriate state authority — typically the Secretary of State’s office — for the apostille certificate itself. As a notary, you can offer a premium concierge service that handles the entire process for clients: notarization plus submission and follow-up, at a significant premium over standard notary rates that clients in need of this service readily pay.
Pricing
State apostille fees typically run $5-$20 per document. Notaries offering full-service apostille handling — managing the submission and follow-up process for the client — typically charge $75-$200 per document, representing strong profit margins on a service that requires relatively little additional time once you have established the process.