Apostille

Get the right Apostille

An Apostille is basically an addition to a notarized (or officially issued) document – to make the item acceptable in countries other than the country of issue. The Apostille bearing document is generally of a “personal” nature; as opposed to business documents. Personal documents include Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce certificates. Also considered personal are affidavits, statements of fact; created by individuals for various purposes. Business documents include, but are certainly not limited to: Statements of Incorporation, business contracts, and powers of attorney for business transactions. A personal power of attorney is generally considered a personal document. As a New York Mobile Notary Public – I process both types.

Personal documents for use outside the USA generally only require an Apostille. Business documents generally require Legalization at Consulate or Embassy. Article 12 of The Hague, regarding the international use of documents – is specifically for personal documents. That agreement among nations was intended to reduce the need for the more costly and time consuming Legalization procedure. However, often a step in the Legalization procedure is obtaining an Apostille prior to bringing the document to the Embassy or Consulate.

There are two “types” of Apostilles issued. For signatory nations to Article 12, the document issued is titled “Apostille”. For non-signatory nations; China and Canada are examples, the document issued is titled “Certification”. Both the “Apostille” and the “Certification” are loosely referred to as being an “Apostille”. They serve the same function precisely. However, the word “Apostille” at the top of the page is only intended for use in signatory nations. Signatory nations both issue and receive the “Apostille” at the top of the page. Non-signatory nations issue and receive the word “Certification” at the top of the page. It’s a minor technicality, but the proper format is necessary for acceptance by the target country of use.

Kenneth A Edelstein has obtained, over the past decade, thousands of each type. Now you understand why I must ask “What is the target country of use”. The Department of State – prior to issuing the “Apostille” asks the same question. Based on the answer, they look up the “signatory status” – and issue the appropriate format. Note that although there are two formats – each format is not tied to a specific country. An “Apostille” bearing document is acceptable in England or Italy; but not intended for use in Canada or China. The reverse is also true. A “Certification” bearing document is not intended for England or Italy; but is right for Canada or China. If you tell me the correct country of use; you may get an “Apostille”, or you may get a “Certification”. Both formats function in exactly the same manner.
 

Why me as your Mobile Notary Public

Why you do not need me as your Mobile Notary Public

You have a sense of adventure and a longing for travel. You like to visit banks and pharmacies hunting for the elusive Notary Public. Similar to a Postal Worker, neither wind, nor rain, nor gloom of night deters you from your quest. You know they are “out there” somewhere – and feel they eagerly await your arrival and documents. You have heard stories about how selective the bank’s notaries can be; having strict instructions from their employer about what to not process. Ever confident in your personal charm, you are certain that, no matter how many or what they are; the local notary once found is certain to process your documents.

You are aware there has to be a difference in the skills of a professional, such as the service provided by Kenneth A. Edelstein compared to a part time practitioner. However, you’re feeling lucky – and have confidence that the harried bank clerk or pharmacist will do what you need – correctly. As an alternative you are considering calling your sister’s cousin’s aunt. She was a notary many years ago, and perhaps she has maintained her commission and will graciously invite you over; you do recall that she made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies. You’re not a very private person; it really does not matter to you that your notary co-worker learns about your plans for cryogenic storage, so you can be awakened sometime in the future when your ailment can be cured.

You have lots of time on your hands. Sure, it might take you an hour or two to actually find a notary; but you really don’t have anything better to do. Some exercise walking the streets will do you a world of good and you get a chance to see the neighborhood and meet the shopkeepers. Having a high tolerance for rejection, the constant deferrals: “The notary is not in now”, “This is not the best time”, “I don’t handle that type of document”, “It’s in Bulgarian – so I can’t notarize it”; are seen as challenges to overcome.

It’s a point of pride with you to get the absolute lowest price in every transaction. You have heard that the County Clerk’s in New York State notarize for free as a public service. The time and expense of using the subway, bus or car; are to be ignored. The same applies to the metal detector’s line, and the line for notary services. You are willing to go several times as you are aware they limit the quantity per person. The goal of lowest price is irresistible – you research becoming a notary and doing it for yourself; but become dismayed when you learn that such activity is illegal. Ignoring your cell minutes, you call three dozen mobile notary services – to find a free one. Eventually you find the New York Mobile Notary Public web site and learn about the pitfalls and dangers of improper notarizations. You begin to see the light and think about the ramificati ons of your document being processed improperly.