Apostille Services in North Carolina
Sending a document abroad? MBP Services Corp helps North Carolina residents prepare documents for apostille authentication — from notarization to submission guidance.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official authentication certificate that verifies the origin and validity of a public document for use in foreign countries. It is issued under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention, which simplified the process of authenticating documents for international use among member nations.
In North Carolina, apostilles are issued by the NC Secretary of State's office — not by a notary public. What a notary can do is prepare and authenticate your document before it goes to the Secretary of State, which is often a required step in the process.
MBP Services Corp does not issue apostilles. What we do is help you get your documents ready — reviewing what you have, notarizing what needs to be notarized, and walking you through exactly how and where to submit for apostille authentication through the proper NC government channel.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You typically need an apostille when you are sending a U.S. document to another country for official use — and that country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Common scenarios include:
- ✓Applying for citizenship, residency, or a visa in another country
- ✓Getting married abroad and needing your birth certificate authenticated
- ✓Enrolling in a foreign university and submitting U.S. diplomas or transcripts
- ✓Executing a power of attorney for use in another country
- ✓Adopting a child from a foreign country
- ✓Conducting business internationally with U.S.-issued corporate documents
Common Documents That Need an Apostille
The NC Apostille Process
Determine the requirement
Confirm that the receiving country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention and that an apostille is specifically required for your document type.
Gather your document
Obtain the original document or a certified copy. For some documents, you will need an official certified copy from the issuing agency.
Notarize if required
Some documents (like powers of attorney or affidavits) must be notarized before submission. MBP Services Corp handles this step via remote online notarization.
Submit to NC Secretary of State
Submit the document to the NC Secretary of State's office with the applicable fee. MBP Services Corp guides you through the correct submission procedure.
Receive your apostille
Once processed, the Secretary of State attaches the apostille certificate to your document. It is then ready for international use.
How MBP Services Corp Can Help
The apostille process involves multiple steps, and a small error — wrong document type, missing notarization, incorrect submission format — can mean weeks of delay. MBP Services Corp helps North Carolina residents navigate this process confidently:
- ✓Document review — we look at what you have and tell you exactly what is needed
- ✓Notarization prep — we notarize documents that require it before apostille submission
- ✓Process guidance — step-by-step instructions for submitting to the NC Secretary of State
- ✓Bilingual assistance — full support available in English and Spanish
We serve Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Stallings, Charlotte, and all of North Carolina. Remote online notarization means you do not need to visit an office — everything can be handled from home.
Apostille FAQ
Who issues apostilles in North Carolina?+
The NC Secretary of State's office issues apostilles in North Carolina. A notary public does not issue apostilles — but a notary may be required to notarize a document before it can be submitted for apostille authentication. MBP Services Corp handles the notarization step and helps guide you through the full submission process.
What documents commonly need an apostille in NC?+
Common documents that need apostille authentication include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, diplomas, transcripts, court documents, powers of attorney, and business formation documents. The receiving country typically specifies what is required.
How long does the apostille process take in North Carolina?+
Processing times through the NC Secretary of State vary. Standard processing typically takes 5–10 business days after submission. Expedited options may be available. MBP Services Corp can help you prepare documents correctly the first time, which avoids delays from rejected submissions.
Does my document need to be notarized before getting an apostille?+
It depends on the document type. Some documents — like vital records issued by the state — may not require prior notarization. Others, like powers of attorney or affidavits, typically must be notarized before apostille authentication. MBP Services Corp can review your document and tell you exactly what is needed.
Need Help With an Apostille?
Contact MBP Services Corp to review your document and get clear guidance on the NC apostille process — no confusion, no runaround.
Contact Us for Apostille Help