You’ve learned your documents need an apostille, and maybe you’re already dreaming of Spanish beaches or a new gig in the UAE. Before you race to Good 2 Go Mobile Notary Plus, there are a few things to get straight or you might find yourself back at square one.

First, figure out the country where you’ll send your documents. Apostilles are only recognized by countries in the Hague Convention group. If your destination isn’t a member, you might be stuck with a different process altogether—like authentication or embassy legalization—which means more steps and sometimes extra fees.

Original documents usually take the prize. A copy rarely gets the green light unless it’s been officially certified, and certification might mean a return trip to wherever the original came from. If you need a birth certificate, resist the urge to dig out the old one from your baby album. Often, you’ll need a recently issued certified version from the government.

Next, each document has its own requirements. In some states, a birth or marriage certificate might need to be issued within the past few years. Diplomas, school transcripts, and employment records may need to be signed or officially sealed by someone the apostille office recognizes. If you send in the wrong version, you might wait weeks just to get a rejection notice.

Ask if notarization is part of the deal. Many documents, especially those not issued by a court or government agency, must be notarized before proceeding. Missing this step leaves your papers in limbo until someone catches the oversight. Some apostille experts can handle notarization and the rest in a single visit—one less thing for you to juggle.

Different states, different rules. One office wants submissions by mail, another lets you show up in person if you like lines. Forms and payment preferences vary, so scan the instructions in advance. Getting stalled by a missing check or skipped section happens way too often.

Never mail originals without keeping backups. If something goes missing in transit, you don’t want to start your paper chase from scratch. Always use tracked shipping and keep copies for your records.

Consider expected processing times. Standard service might be a week or two, while expedited options can trim that down for an extra charge. If you’re racing against a deadline, a mobile apostille service can be a real game-changer.

Most importantly, clarify how you’ll get your completed apostilled documents back. Pickup, mail, or courier? Make sure you’ll be available—or have a trusted contact ready—when they arrive.

Getting an apostille isn’t rocket science, but getting ready is half the job. Order the right documents, follow the guidelines, and you’ll avoid the headaches that could easily derail your big plans.