Apostille USA
Avoid apostille rejection mistakes by learning the most common errors and how to fix them fast. The #1 apostille rejection mistake is submitting outdated documents — most countries require certified copies issued within the last 5 years.
Other common apostille rejection mistakes include missing notarization, wrong signing authority, and using the wrong authentication process.
For any questions, please contact our support team. See also our guides on common apostille mistakes and how to apostille a document.
Recent Certified Copy Required
After reviewing the documents you uploaded, it appears the vital record provided is older than 5 years.
Most foreign authorities require recent certified copies issued within the last 5 years for apostille processing. Submitting outdated documents is one of the most common apostille rejection mistakes.
Please order a new certified copy from the issuing state or county, or online through VitalChek:
https://www.vitalchek.com/
If, after review, your document is considered too old, please do not mail your documents yet.
Once you receive the new certified copy, upload a scan for review so we can confirm it is acceptable before you send the original.
Notarization Required
This can happen if, after reviewing the documents you uploaded, it appears a document is missing notarization or was notarized incorrectly. Missing proper notarization is one of the top apostille rejection mistakes.
Documents must include a proper notarial acknowledgment completed by a notary public to be eligible for apostille processing.
Please have the document properly notarized. A sample notarial acknowledgment can be found below for reference:
Please do not mail your documents yet.
Once notarized, upload a scan for review so we can confirm everything is correct before you send the original.
