Apostille 101
What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One in Missouri?
If you’ve been told you need an apostille for your documents, you might be wondering what that even means. An apostille is a certificate issued by the Missouri Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of your document for use in another country. Whether you’re adopting internationally, studying abroad, or handling business overseas, this step ensures your paperwork is legally recognized outside the U.S.
What Does an Apostille Actually Do?
An apostille does not change the content of your document. Instead, it confirms that the signature and seal on your document are legitimate and issued by an official authority. Think of it as Missouri vouching for your notary, clerk, or registrar so that another country can trust it without re-verifying from scratch.
This system was created under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, which now includes over 120 member countries. If your destination country is part of the Hague Convention, an apostille is what you’ll need.
Common Reasons Missourians Need an Apostille
Here are some of the most frequent cases where we see clients requesting an apostille:
International adoption – foreign courts often require certified birth certificates, home studies, and notarized forms.
Studying or working abroad – universities and employers may need transcripts, diplomas, or background checks certified.
Marriage abroad – many countries require apostilled birth certificates, divorce decrees, or affidavits of single status.
Business expansion – companies opening overseas may need corporate documents like certificates of good standing, bylaws, or board resolutions.
Legal matters – powers of attorney, wills, or affidavits used in foreign courts often require apostilles.
Apostille vs. Authentication
One key point of confusion is the difference between an apostille and an authentication.
Apostille: Used when your destination country is part of the Hague Convention. Missouri issues the apostille, and that’s the final step.
Authentication: If the country is not a Hague member, Missouri issues an authentication instead. From there, your document must also pass through the U.S. Department of State and the destination country’s embassy/consulate before it’s fully accepted.
In practice, most Missouri residents will need apostilles, but it’s critical to confirm which applies to your destination country before mailing your paperwork.
How Much Does It Cost?
By law, Missouri charges $10 per document for issuing an apostille. That’s the state fee only.
Many clients choose to work with a facilitator like Big River Notary to avoid costly errors or weeks of delay. Our service fees begin at $95 for standard mail-in and scale based on turnaround time, number of documents, and whether you need priority or rush service.
While you could technically mail the paperwork yourself, common mistakes include:
Submitting uncertified copies instead of certified ones
Using the wrong notarial wording
Forgetting to include proper fees or cover letters
Leaving out prepaid return shipping
Each mistake means your documents are rejected and returned — wasting weeks.
How Long Does It Take?
Timelines depend on your processing option:
Standard Mail-In: 7–14 business days (plus mailing time)
Priority Mail-In: 3–7 business days
Rush Counter Service: Same-day if documents are hand-delivered in Jefferson City
For comparison, if you handle it alone by mail and make even one mistake, you could face delays of 3–6 weeks. That’s why many clients prefer to outsource.
Why Hire a Missouri Apostille Concierge?
Here’s where our value comes in:
We prepare and check your documents before submission.
We provide the correct cover letters and payment handling.
We track your packet so you’re never in the dark.
We offer priority and rush options to meet deadlines.
We handle shipping and return logistics so you don’t need to.
Think of us as the bridge between your documents and the Missouri Secretary of State. We make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
How to Get Started
Identify the destination country. We’ll confirm whether you need an apostille or authentication.
Gather your documents. Examples: certified vital records, notarized powers of attorney, diplomas.
Choose your speed. Standard, priority, or overnight.
Submit with payment. Include either prepaid labels or request shipping at carrier cost.
From there, we handle everything else — and you get peace of mind knowing your documents will be processed correctly.
Final Thoughts
An apostille may sound complicated, but at its core, it’s simply an international seal of trust. If your documents are leaving the country, you’ll almost certainly need one. By working with a professional Missouri apostille concierge like Big River Notary, you’ll save time, avoid mistakes, and gain confidence that your paperwork is in order.
Ready to start? Contact Big River Notary today to discuss your apostille needs.
