Frequently Asked Questions About Apostilles

Do I Need an Apostille?Short answer: If your document is being used outside the United States in a Hague Apostille Convention country, yes. Common scenarios: Applying for a visa or studying abroad Getting married internationally Working or living abroad Registering property overseas Adopting from another country Accessing international business or financial services If you're unsure, contact us — we can tell you in 5 minutes. How Long Does an Apostille Take? Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. We offer expedited (2-3 days) and rush (24 hours) options. Timelines are for First Choice's processing; we'll give you the total timeline, including government processing, when you book. Do I Need Both Notarization and an Apostille? Not always. Some documents need to be notarized first, then apostilled. Others only need the apostille. We assess your specific document and tell you exactly what's needed — no unnecessary steps, no wasted money. Can You Apostille Documents from Other States? Yes. We apostille documents issued in any of the 50 U.S. states. The document's state of origin doesn't matter; we handle the submission to the appropriate state authority. What Countries Accept Apostilles? Over 120 countries have signed the Hague Apostille Convention. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, many Latin American countries, and many others. We can confirm whether your destination country accepts apostilles. Can You Translate My Document After the Apostille? Yes. If your destination country requires the document in a specific language, we can arrange a certified translation after the apostille is issued. The translation is then verified and certified separately. What If My Document Gets Rejected? We verify authenticity and requirements before submission. We don't submit documents that don't meet standards. If a rare issue arises, we contact you immediately and find a solution. How Much Does an Apostille Cost? First Choice charges $225 for the first document (standard 5-7 days), $295 (expedited 2-3 days), or $395 (rush/same-day). Additional documents in the same order are +$50-75, depending on service level. The Missouri Secretary of State charges an additional government fee ($10). Add $50 if you need mobile pickup/delivery. We provide a complete quote before you proceed. Can You Mail My Documents? Yes. Once apostilled, we can mail your documents securely to you, your attorney, school, employer, or any address you provide. Do You Serve My Area? We provide mobile services throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Warren County, and Lincoln County. If you're outside this area, contact us — we may be able to arrange service. Can You Apostille Documents for My Business? Yes. We apostille commercial documents, corporate seals, licenses, permits, and international business authorizations. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.