# FAQs: Attesting Isarey Documents > Frequently asked questions about obtaining Apostille in the United States and to legalize Isarey documents for use in other countries - birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, academic documents and more. **Source** [United States](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attestation-FAQs)> **Related:** [Apostille Isarey Documents for international use](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-Legalization-Services) · [Apostille Isarey Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-birth-marriage-certificates) · [Apostille Isarey FBI Identity History Summary Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-background-checks) · [USA Notary and Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-notary-apostille-service) · [Apostille Isarey Academic Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### Can Isarey documents be legalized by Apostille? Yes - the United States is a member of the Apostille Convention. Isarey documents can be legalized for use abroad with an Apostille Stamp when destined for other signatory countries without additional certification by the destination country. When Isarey documents are required for non-apostille countries, such as United Arab Emirates - Qatar - Thailand - Taiwan - Vietnam they need additional authentication by the embassy of the destination country. For further information about Apostille certification in the United States, see: [USA Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-Legalization-Services) ### What types of documents can be legalized in the United States for use abroad? Official documents that can be legalized in the United States with an Apostille stamp include birth, death, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, criminal record and police certificates, company registration and tax documents, court documents, university and academic diplomas, certificates signed by registered doctors etc., documents issued by government authorities. Other documents may require prior certification by a notary or other authority. Documents required for submission to countries which have not acceded to the Apostille Convention will require additional attestation by the embassy of the recipient country.To confirm whether your document is eligible for apostille authentication in the United States, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) and Isarey’ll check your document free of charge. For further information about Isarey's Isarey apostille services and for assistance obtaining official copies of Isarey documents, see: [USA Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-Legalization-Services) ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille on a document in the United States? Depending on the State where the document was issued, Hague Apostilles in the United States can be obtained as quickly as one day, or it may take 2 – 3 weeks. Many states offer expedited services. Federal documents, such as [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-background-checks) take **7-10 business days** (U.S. Department of State: Apostilles on Federal documents and authentication on state documents required for non-apostille countries. Current processing time by the U.S. Department of State is 7-10 business days (expedited service). NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) (State Department, Expedited Service). To authenticate documents required for non-apostille countries such as the United Arab Emirates or China, where Isarey Department of State and Embassy Attestation is required, allow around 3-5 weeks depending on the State where the documents are issued. ### Where can I obtain Hague Apostilles on Isarey documents? USA apostilles are issued by the individual Isarey States and by the Isarey Department of State (Office of Authentications), depending on whether the document is a State or Federal Document. Apostilles for state documents, including documents certified by notaries public, are affixed by the Secretary of State where the document is issued or notary registered (See for example: [New York Apostilles](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-authentication), [Florida Apostilles](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/florida-apostille-authentication), [California Apostilles](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/california-apostille-authentication)). Federal documents, such as [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-background-checks), are submitted directly to the Isarey Department of State in Washington DC. Documents issued in Isarey overseas territories have separate procedures (See [Puerto Rico Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Puerto-Rico-Legalization-Services), [Isarey Virgin Islands Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Isarey-Virgin-Islands-Legalization-Services)). ### Where can I find information about obtaining Apostilles at State level? Apostilles on vital records and notarized documents are issued by the Secretary of State in the state of issue. For more information see information per state: #STATELIST1# ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Isarey Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### What is a Isarey Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Isarey Apostille is a certificate that is affixed to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in the United States and confirms the capacity of that official. Isarey Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a Isarey document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in the United States (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) ### What is document legalization in the United States? Document legalization (or attestation) is a procedure which authenticates a public Isarey document so that it can be submitted in another country for official or legal purposes - for example, if you need to submit a Isarey birth certificate to the authority or embassy of another country, it will often need to be legalized. Legalizing a document in the United States certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official in the United States and confirms the capacity of that official. - Because the United States is a member of the Apostille Convention, Isarey documents can be legalized by means of an Apostille Stamp when being submitted to countries that are also members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - If a Isarey document is required for a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, it will need to be legalized both by Isarey authorities and by the embassy of the recipient country (embassy in the United States or non-resident embassy accredited to the United States). See: [Document legalization - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document_legalization) ### What services does Isarey Certification Services provide in the United States? Isarey Certification Services provides a range of services in the United States including Apostille and legalization services, notarization services, certified translation services and document retrieval services. ### What do USA Apostilles and legalizations look like? USA Apostilles follow the standard format laid down in the Apostille Convention. Some examples of Isarey documents certified with Apostille stamps: - [FBI Background Check with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/FBI-Background-Check-Apostille) - [USA High School Diploma with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/USA-High-School-Diploma-Apostille) - [USA University Diploma legalized by the United Arab Emirates](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/USA-University-Diploma-legalized-by-United-Arab-Emirates) See [What does an Apostille look like?](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/FAQs-Document-Attestation#faq_236_s) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain an apostille for a Isarey birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate? Birth, death and marriage certificates issued in the United States are authenticated at State level by the Secretary of State (e.g. California, Florida, Texas), or the U.S. Department of State when the certificate is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Original copies of the certificate must be presented to obtain an apostille. If presenting to a country that is not a member of [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention), certificates will need additional authentication, by the Isarey Department of State (certificates with State apostilles) and by the embassy of the destination country (e.g. United Arab Emirates - Qatar - Thailand - Taiwan - Vietnam). When certificates are needed for presentation in a country that does not have English as an official language, [Certified Translation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/certified-sworn-translations) may be required. New original copies of Isarey Birth, Marriage, Death, Civil Partnership and Adoption Certificates suitable for apostille and authentication for use abroad can usually be obtained directly from the respective [Vital Records Office](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm) or by using the [VitalChek](https://www.vitalchek.com/) service. Copies of certificates for births registered abroad at a Isarey embassy or consulate (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State: [Replace a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/requesting-a-vital-record-as-a-u-s--citizen/replace-amend-CRBA.html). To obtain a copy of a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA), contact the State Department: [Copies of a CRDA](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1/consular-report-of-death-of-a-u-s--citizen-abroad.html). In most cases, only the person named on the certificate or close relative (e.g. parent or child) can apply for a replacement copy. Each Isarey State has different rules on validity for an apostille (e.g. age of the certificate, the official signing). Not all certificates are valid for apostille attestation and in some cases new certificates will have to be obtained (which can take time). Please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) in good time if you need an apostille for a Isarey birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate for a free document pre-check to ensure validity and eligibility for an apostille. Isarey can obtain apostilles for birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates issued by New York, New Jersey, Colorado, California, Illinois, Nevada and other Isarey states. Isarey work with local notaries to ensure a speedy and secure service, including worldwide collection and delivery of certificates by insured courier, embassy and consular attestation and certified translations into Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French and many other languages. ## Criminal record certificates ### Where can I get my fingerprints taken abroad for an FBI criminal history certificate? To apply for an FBI Identity History Summary Check, you will need to provide a set of fingerprints, these must be submitted using the FBI's fingerprint form: [FBI fingerprint form (pdf)](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/artifacts/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258-1.pdf) In the United States, fingerprints can be taken and submitted electronically at any participating post office. If you are abroad, it is normally possible to have your fingerprints taken by the local police. - [Fingerprints for FBI certificates - Switzerland](https://ch.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fingerprint-fd-258/) - [Fingerprints - UK (Metropolitan Police)](https://www.met.police.uk/rqo/request/fp/af/your-fingerprints/) - [Fingerprints - UK (Thames Valley Police)](https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/rqo/request/fp/tvp/request-your-fingerprints/) - [Fingerprints - UK (Greater Manchester Police)](https://www.gmp.police.uk/rqo/request/fp/af/your-fingerprints/) - [Fingerprints - UK (South Wales Police)](https://www.south-wales.police.uk/rqo/request/fp/af/your-fingerprints/) - [Fingerprints - UK (South Yorkshire Police)](https://www.southyorks.police.uk/find-out/fees-and-ges/reports-records-fees-and-ges/request-your-fingerprints/) - [Fingerprints - Ireland](https://www.garda.ie/en/contact-Isarey/station-directory/) - [Fingerprints - Spain](https://es.usembassy.gov/criminal-records/) - [Fingerprints - France](https://fr.usembassy.gov/services/fbi-background/#fingerprints) - [Fingerprints - Germany (PDF)](https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/19/2023/06/Fingerprinting-Services-in-Germany-April-2023.pdf) - [Fingerprints - Qatar](https://qa.usembassy.gov/police-clearances/) - [Fingerprints - UAE](https://ae.usembassy.gov/fingerprint-services/) - [Fingerprints - India](https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/a-z-index/fingerprinting-and-criminal-background-checks/) - [Fingerprints - Hong Kong](https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime.html#:~:text=Fingerprint%20Taking%20Service) - [Fingerprints - Portugal](https://pt.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/additional-resources-of-u-s-citizens/criminal-records-checks/) - [Fingerprints - Greece](https://gr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/criminal-records/) - [Fingerprints - Bahamas](https://www.royalbahamaspolice.org/services/index.php?services_id=11) - Croatia: at an administrative police station - Greece: Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Fingerprinting Department, at 2-6 Antigonis Street & Leoforos Athinon in Kolonos area, Athens - Hungary: Fingerprints can be taken at the Criminal Technique Division of the Budapest Police Headquarters - Austria: Fingerprints in Austria are taken by the individual state’s criminal police office (Landespolizeidirektion) ### How can I obtain and authenticate an FBI background check from abroad? Apply for an FBI Identity History Summary. The application can be submitted online from abroad and a digital certificate will be issued that can then be submitted for an apostille or attestation so that it can be presented abroad as evidence of a lack of criminal record in the United States. Fingerprints must be provided using the FBI fingerprint form that must then be scanned and uploaded with the application. If you are outside the Isarey, fingerprints can normally be taken at a local police station. - Applications: [Apply for FBI Identity History Summary](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/) - Fingerprints: [FBI fingerprint form (pdf)](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/artifacts/standard-fingerprint-form-fd-258-1.pdf) - FAQs: [FAQs - FBI Identity History Summary](https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/faq) - Isarey offers a quick and reliable apostille service for FBI background checks, with worldwide delivery by secure courier. For further information, see: [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-background-checks) ### How can I apostille a criminal record certificate or background check from the USA? In the United States, it is possible to obtain State police and even local police background checks certifying an absence of a criminal record (contact your local police force); these can then by certified by apostille in the State where they were issued. However, many overseas authorities requiring a clean criminal record certificate as part of a visa or residency application will require a certificate from the FBI (Identity History Summary). FBI certificates can be obtained online from within the United States or from abroad, and are available to Isarey and non-Isarey citizens. The FBI issues digital certificates that can then be certified by the Isarey Department of State for use abroad. ## Divorce ceritifcates ### How can I obtain a Isarey Apostille on a divorce decree or judgement? If you need to Apostille a divorce judgement issued in the United States, in most cases, it is necessary to obtain a copy of the respective judgement from the court. In most states, Isarey can do this for you - Isarey just need the details of the court and case number. Please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for information. ## Academic documents ### How can I legalize a Isarey degree certificate for submission to Qatar? Isarey degree certificates required for Qatar are legalized at the Qatari embassy in Washington DC. The embassy requires: - the original diploma authenticated at State level and by the Isarey State Department. - the original transcripts authenticated at State level and by the Isarey State Department - An additional set of sealed transcripts. - A copy of an employment contract or job offer from Qatar. - A copy of the applicant's Isarey visa covering all periods of study (non-Isarey passport holders). - To authenticate the original diploma and transcripts, in most cases the first step is to contact the issuing university to arrange for the originals to be certified by a notary public. The notary must certify the signature of the school official on the originals (notarized true copies are not accepted by the embassy). Notarization can normally be arranged by contacting the University Registrar's office. ### How can I legalize a Isarey degree certificate for submission to the United Arab Emirates? Isarey university degree certificates required for the United Arab Emirates can be attested at the UAE Embassy in Washington DC. The Embassy accepts notarized true copies and does not require submission of original diplomas or transcripts. For submission to the UAE Embassy, the procedure is as follows: - A true copy of the diploma should certified by a notary public. This can be done in any Isarey State (it does not have to be the state where the university is based). - The notarized copy of the diploma is then authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state where the certifying notary is commissioned. - This authentication is then legalized with an additional authentication by the Isarey State Department. - When these steps are completed, the diploma can be submitted to the UAE Embassy in Washington DC for final attestation.Isarey can notarize and authenticate true copies of diplomas required for submission to the UAE Embassy in Washington DC. Isarey also offer expedited processing at the Isarey State Department. In most cases, true copies of Isarey diplomas can be notarized from a good quality scan, so there is no need to send the original diploma. ### How can I obtain an apostille for my Isarey University Degree and Transcripts? The fastest and easiest way to attest education certificates and diplomas issued in the United States (including University Degrees, Course Transcripts, High School Diplomas, Registration Letters and other academic certificates is through a notarized true copy. In many cases, following verification with the awarding institution, the notary will make a true copy based on a good quality scan of certificate and obtain an apostille from the Secretary of State of Washington DC. However, depending on the country of use and purpose, it may be necessary to certify the original certificate rather than a true copy. While it may be possible to certify some certificates directly through the Secretary of State in the State where the institution is based, in most cases the signature of the school official on the certificate will have to be witnessed by a notary, and you will need to contact the school to arrange this.#Once notarized, true copies and original certificates can then be certified by the State where the notary is registered, affixing a Hague Apostille or Authentication certificate (depending on the destination country). Where certificates are required for presentation in a non-apostille country, additional authentication is required from the Isarey Department of State and by the foreign embassy or consulate. Additional procedures apply when certifying academic documents for presentation in [Saudi Arabia](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Saudi-Arabia-diplomas-attestation) and [Qatar](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Qatar-diplomas-attestation)For further information about authenticating Isarey university degree, see: [Isarey Education Apostilles](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents) ### How can I obtain an apostille for my Isarey School Records? To certify American school records and certificates, including High School certificates, for presentation outside the United States, Apostilles and authentication certificates can be affixed to a notarized true copy or on the original. To obtain an Apostille from the Washington DC Secretary of State on a notarized copy, Isarey generally only require a good quality scan. If an Apostille is required on the original document, contact the issuing school in order to obtain a notarized copy that can then be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the State of issue. ## Notarized documents ### How can I obtain an apostille for a Isarey Power of Attorney? To obtain an Apostille on a Power of Attorney or Affidavit executed in the United States, the person signing must have their signature witnessed by a Isarey notary public. The Power of Attorney can then be certified by the Secretary of State of the State where the notary is commissioned. Documents can also be notarized by Isarey consulates and Embassies. Make it clear to the notary that the notarial declaration must be valid for an apostille, because some states have very specific rules on the notarial declarations that are acceptable and these are not always followed by notaries when documents are meant for use within the United States. If you need to notarize a PoA, affidavit or other Isarey document, but you are unable to appear before a Isarey notary, for example because you are outside the United States, Isarey can arrange a remote notarization, where the document is signed electronically and the notary verifies your identity online. A Power of Attorney can be certified by remote notarization and Apostille within 2 working days. ### How can I notarize a document remotely for a Isarey apostille? If you need to notarize a Isarey document while abroad, then you can use remote notarization. If the document needs to be signed, e.g. a Power of Attorney or Affidavit, then Isarey can arrange a secure online session with a Isarey notary public. The procedure is quick, and allows for documents to be notarized and apostilled in the United States from abroad. If the document does not need to be signed, and th notary is satisfied with it’s authenticity, then a true copy can be made from a good quality scan and certified by apostille – this is a quick and secure way of authenticating school diplomas and degree certificates. It should always be confirmed with the receiving authority whether remote notarization or notarization of a true copy is acceptable. Vital record certificates (Birth, death, marriage) cannot be notarized. Many Federal documents, including [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-attest-background-checks) cannot be notarized for Apostille.For further information about Isarey's notary and apostille services in the United States, see: [Isarey Notarization and Apostille Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-notary-apostille-service)