Apostille & Document Legalization Services in Charlotte, NC

Need your documents accepted in another country? At Ink & Initial Notary Co., we help Charlotte residents — and clients across North Carolina — with professional apostille and document legalization support. Whether you're preparing paperwork for international adoption, studying or working abroad, relocating overseas, or finalizing legal or business documents, we make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free.

All apostille appointments are mobile. We meet you at your home, office, attorney’s office, hospital, or another convenient location.

What Is an Apostille (Explained Simply)?

The easiest way to understand it:

• A notarization verifies the identity of the person signing the document.

• An apostille verifies the notary and the state official who issued it.

It’s essentially an international “stamp of authenticity” that tells foreign governments and institutions your U.S. document is legitimate.

In North Carolina, apostilles are issued by the NC Secretary of State.

Apostille vs. Legalization: Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries

Not every country uses the same system.

If your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention:

You’ll only need an apostille. This is the simpler and more streamlined option.

If your destination country is NOT part of the Hague Convention:

Your document must go through a multi-step authentication and legalization process, often involving:

• North Carolina Secretary of State authentication

• U.S. Department of State authentication (Washington, D.C.)

• Embassy or Consulate of the destination country

Think of it like this:
Hague = one stop.
Non-Hague = multiple stops.

Common Reasons People in Charlotte Need Apostilles

• We regularly assist clients with:

  • Birth, marriage, or death certificates

  • School transcripts, diplomas, or academic records

  • Powers of attorney or legal documents

  • Business contracts or corporate documents

  • Immigration or adoption paperwork

  • Documents for the purchase of property overseas

How the Apostille & Legalization Process Works

Here’s how we make it simple:

1. Schedule Your Appointment

Book online or call to get started.

2. Document Review

We confirm your requirements, review your documents, and ensure you have the correct versions.
(Important: Vital records such as birth or marriage certificates must be certified and come directly from the issuing office.)

3. Submission to the Proper Authority

Hague Countries:
→ North Carolina Secretary of State
(or U.S. Department of State for federal documents)

Non-Hague Countries:
→ NC Secretary of State
→ U.S. Department of State
→ Embassy / Consulate of destination country

4. Secure Return Delivery

Your completed apostille or legalization can be returned via USPS, FedEx/UPS, or in-person pickup.

Apostille Processing Times in North Carolina

The NC Secretary of State’s processing times vary based on method and current volume.

Current NC SOS Timeframes (as of December 2025):

📌 Mail-in, FedEx, or UPS submissions:

• Expect an additional up to 5-day processing delay before the document is even logged.

• Total timeframe is typically 10–15 business days once the document is in their system.

📌 In-person submissions directly to the Secretary of State:

• Processing times vary and are not guaranteed same-day.

• Most customers are told 10–15 business days regardless of submission method.

Processing can take longer during holidays, high-volume seasons, or government closures. While we move your documents forward quickly, turnaround times depend on the state and federal agencies handling them.

What You’ll Need for Apostille Services

✔ Original or certified documents
Most apostilles require originals or certified records.

✔ If you plan to use a photocopy (including passports):
The person the document belongs to must be present with the original so a true copy affidavit can be completed during the appointment.

✔ Government-issued photo ID
✔ Any instructions from your destination country or attorney

Frequently Asked Questions About Apostille Services

Why Choose Ink & Initial Notary Co.?

✨ Clear, step-by-step guidance
✨ Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
✨ Local support across Charlotte, Lake Norman (Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson), Matthews, Concord, Kannapolis, Mint Hill, Harrisburg, and the University Area
✨ Professional communication — you’ll always know where your documents are in the process

Important Note About Apostilles in North Carolina

The North Carolina Secretary of State can only issue apostilles for documents that originated in North Carolina.

✅ Your document must be:

• Notarized by a North Carolina notary public, OR

• Issued by a North Carolina agency or official (such as NC Vital Records, a Clerk of Superior Court, or a NC university registrar).

❌ If your document was issued or notarized in another state (example: a birth certificate from Virginia or a notarized affidavit from South Carolina), it must be apostilled in that state — not North Carolina.

✅ Ink & Initial Notary Co. — Apostille & Legalization Services in Charlotte, NC
Clear answers. Local expertise. International recognition.

Ready to Schedule Your Apostille Service in Charlotte?

Book your apostille service in Charlotte quickly and confidently. We handle document authentication for personal, business, and international use — with clear pricing and flexible scheduling.

Click to schedule your appointment or call 980-216-4754 for immediate assistance.