Document Status
Follow our precise routing path to ensure your international dossiers reach their destination with archival clarity and professional speed.
Common Mistakes
Understanding these pitfalls ensures your documents move through the international system without delay or rejection.
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Wrong Office
Many applicants send their documents to the wrong county clerk or court clerk. The Hague Apostille Convention requires specific offices to issue the certification.
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Skipped Step
Skipping the county or court clerk certification step is a common error. This step is mandatory for all Hague Convention documents before they reach the State Department.
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Expired Records
Many foreign countries require records to be no more than 3–6 months old. Sending outdated documents leads to immediate rejection by the receiving embassy.
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Hague vs Non-Hague
Mixing up the Hague Apostille with non-Hague legalization is a frequent mistake. Non-Hague countries require an embassy stamp, not a State Department seal.
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Wrong Report Type
Using a state police check instead of an FBI Identity History Summary is a critical error. The FBI report is the only document that can be apostilled by the State Department.
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Sending Copies
Most agencies require the original document. Sending a copy or a photocopy can result in a complete delay or rejection of your entire file.
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Deadlines
Mailing your documents too close to a deadline can lead to processing delays. We recommend starting your file review at least 4–6 weeks in advance.