People use the word apostille and notary interchangeably sometimes, and it causes real confusion — usually at the worst possible moment. They are not the same thing. Here is a clear explanation of what an apostille is, who actually issues it in North Carolina, and how the process works.
What an Apostille Is
An apostille is an authentication certificate attached to a public document. It verifies that the document is genuine and was issued or certified by the proper authority. The purpose is to make the document acceptable for official use in foreign countries — specifically, countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
Think of it as an internationally recognized stamp of legitimacy. Without it, a foreign government, university, or employer may not accept your document as valid, no matter how legitimate it actually is.
Who Issues Apostilles in North Carolina?
The NC Secretary of State's office issues apostilles in North Carolina. Not a notary. Not an attorney. The Secretary of State.
This is the part people get confused about. A notary public is a state-commissioned official who witnesses signatures and verifies identity. A notary cannot issue an apostille. What a notary can do — and often must do as a prerequisite — is notarize a document before it is submitted for apostille authentication. Some documents require notarization first. Others, like state-issued vital records, do not.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You need an apostille when you are sending a U.S. document to another country for official purposes and that country requires one. Common situations:
- Applying for foreign residency or citizenship and submitting your U.S. birth certificate
- Getting married in another country and needing your NC marriage records or birth certificate authenticated
- Enrolling in a foreign university and submitting a diploma or academic transcript
- Executing a power of attorney for property or financial matters in another country
- An international employer requiring authenticated background check documentation
The receiving institution or foreign government agency typically specifies exactly what they need. If they ask for an apostille, that is your signal to start this process.
Common Documents That Need an Apostille
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, diplomas, academic transcripts, court documents, criminal background checks, powers of attorney, notarized affidavits, and business formation documents are the most common. The specific requirements vary by country and purpose.
How the NC Apostille Process Works
The general path is this: you gather the original document (or a certified copy), have it notarized if that step is required, and then submit it to the NC Secretary of State's office with the applicable fee. The office verifies the document, attaches the apostille certificate, and returns it to you. Standard processing typically takes about a week or more; expedited options may be available.
Getting this right the first time matters. A missing notarization, incorrect document format, or wrong submission procedure means the document comes back without the apostille and you start over — often with time pressure on the other end.
How MBP Services Corp Helps
MBP Services Corp does not issue apostilles — that is the Secretary of State's job. What we do is handle the steps before that: reviewing your document, performing the notarization if it is required, and walking you through exactly what to submit and how. We serve Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Stallings, and the greater Charlotte area, with remote services available statewide. Bilingual assistance in English and Spanish is available.
If you have a document that needs to go abroad and you are not sure where to start, reach out. We will tell you exactly what is needed and what we can handle for you.
Questions about your apostille document?
MBP Services Corp helps NC residents prepare documents for apostille authentication — review, notarization, and process guidance.
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