An apostille is a certification used to authenticate documents for international use. It's a sticker or a stamp that verifies the document's authenticity. The apostille is usually issued by the designated authority in the country of origin and is recognized by many countries around the world.
Appearance of an Apostille
The apostille is typically a rectangular sticker or stamp with the following details:
- Country of issue
- Seal or signature of the issuing authority
- Certificate number
- Date of issue
The apostille is usually printed on a separate piece of paper that's attached to the original document. It's essential to check the authenticity of the apostille by verifying the issuing authority's seal or signature.
Types of Apostilles
There are two types of apostilles: simple and certified. A simple apostille is a standard certification, while a certified apostille is a more complex process that involves additional authentication steps.