Your International Move with Certified and Apostilled Business Documents
Moving your business overseas is a huge step—exciting, challenging, and full of opportunities. However, before you can start running your business abroad, there are important documents that need to be in order, particularly your Certificate of Organization and Articles of Organization. Whether you’re opening a new office, entering into contracts, or establishing a local presence, these documents are essential for legal and operational purposes in many countries. But what exactly do you need to ensure your documents are recognized abroad?
At Elite Documents, we specialize in providing certified copies of your business documents, along with apostille certification, to ensure smooth international operations. Here’s how we can help simplify the process for you.
Why Certified Copies and Apostille Matters
When doing business internationally, foreign governments and institutions require your documents to be official and recognized as authentic. Simply having copies of your Certificate of Organization or Articles of Organization isn’t enough. To ensure they’re legally accepted, these documents need to be certified and apostilled.
A certified copy of your business documents ensures that they are recognized as true copies of the original by the Wyoming Secretary of State. This is especially important when dealing with foreign government agencies or legal institutions. Without certification, your documents may not be accepted.
An apostille, on the other hand, is an international certification process that ensures the document is accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. It authenticates the signature of the public official who issued the document, making it globally recognized.
How We Simplified Document Certification and Authentication for Our Client
Take our client, for example: Robert, a small business owner from Wisconsin, found himself in a bind when he needed his business records certified and apostilled for an international deal. The process seemed overwhelming, with layers of paperwork and strict timelines to meet. Unsure where to start, Robert turned to Elite Documents for help.
Our team stepped in to handle the retrieval of the certified copies and the apostille certificate process from start to finish. We ensured every detail was handled accurately and efficiently, keeping Robert informed at each stage.
Throughout the process, we kept Robert informed, ensuring he knew exactly where things stood. Once the authentication process was complete, we securely shipped his documents directly to his location in China.
Why Robert Trusted Elite Documents
- We Handled Everything: From start to finish, Robert didn’t have to lift a finger.
- We Got It Right: Every detail was carefully managed to meet both U.S. and Chinese requirements.
- We Delivered Quickly: Robert had his documents on time, with zero delays.
From Cerified Copies to the Apostille Certificate
If you’ve ever needed to send official documents overseas, you’ve probably come across the term “apostille.” It might sound complicated, but it’s really just a way to make sure your documents are accepted internationally. Let me walk you through an example using my a business documents from Wisconsin.
The First Page: The Apostille Certificate
The process starts with a special certificate issued by the Wisconsin Secretary of State. This official document looks impressive—there’s a bold state seal, a signature from the Secretary of State, and language that confirms my documents are officially verified. Think of it as a stamp of approval for the rest of the paperwork.
What’s Behind It: Articles of Incorporation
Right after the apostille certificate comes the heart of it all—the business’s Articles of Incorporation. These pages spell out the nuts and bolts of the company: its name, the purpose of the business, and its registered agent. For anyone running a business, this is like your company’s birth certificate.
The Final Touch: A Stamp of Authenticity
On the very last page, there’s a stamp that seals the deal (literally). It’s embossed and stamped to show that everything in the packet is legit. It’s reassuring to know this final mark ties it all together and makes it impossible for anyone to question the authenticity of my documents.
By putting all these pieces together, the apostille process ensures my business documents are good to go for international use. Whether you’re expanding your business abroad or just handling some cross-border formalities, this process gives you peace of mind that your paperwork will be accepted wherever it needs to go.
Your Go-To Team For Secure, Reliable Document Services
Relocating to a New Country? Explore how Elite Documents Can Make Your Move Effortless by Simplifying Your Document Needs:
Document Retrieval Services
Elite Documents offers professional document retrieval services, ensuring you can obtain vital records, court-certified documents, and other essential paperwork no matter where you are. Whether in the U.S. or foreign, our team ensures a seamless and efficient process to meet your needs.
Our Document Retrieval Services Include
- Vital Records:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Decrees
- Death Certificates
- Expedite services are available for urgent needs.
- Court-Certified Copies:
- Judgments
- Name Change Petitions
- Probate Orders
- Adoption Records
- Criminal Background Checks:
- State Background Checks
- FBI Reports: Retrieval, notarization, and authentication services available.
- Certified and Notarized Documents:
- Certified true copies of legal or personal documents for use domestically or internationally.
- Notarized criminal background checks, court orders, and more.
State Apostille Services
Elite Documents offers reliable and efficient apostille services at the state level , ensuring your documents meet international standards for legal recognition.
For documents issued by state authorities Ensure that the state-issued documents are certified copies and have been recently issued. (e.g., birth certificates, marriage licenses, or business documents):
- Verification: We confirm your document’s eligibility for a state apostille.
- Submission: We submit your document to the appropriate state authority for certification.
- Completion: Once authenticated, we ensure the document is ready for international use.
Documents that are eligible to receive the State Apostille or Authentication Certificate include:
State or government issued documents such as:
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Decrees
- Court Orders
- Adoption Papers
- Police Records
- Academic Diplomas and Transcripts from Public Institutions
- Medical Records (from public hospitals)
Notarized documents such as:
- Private School Transcripts and Diplomas
- Personal Letters
- Contracts and Agreements
- Affidavits
- Medical Records (from private hospitals)
- Power of Attorney
- Parental Consent Forms for Travel
Business Documents State issued or Notarized document:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Certificates of Good Standing
- Commercial Contracts and Agreements
- Board Resolutions
- Company Bylaws
- Business Licenses
- Financial Statements (once notarized)
- Trademark and Patent Applications
- Shareholder Agreements
- Business Invoices (once notarized)
Which Countries Require an Apostille Certificate:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- China,
- Hong Kong &
- Macao
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Korea, Republic of
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova,
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia, Republic of
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
- and Northern Ireland
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Federal Apostille Services
Elite Documents provides Federal Apostille Services for documents that require federal-level certification, such as FBI background checks, federal court documents, and documents issued by U.S. government agencies. Whether your document is intended for international use or needs to be authenticated for legal purposes, we ensure your documents meet international standards and are processed efficiently.
Service Highlights:
- Preparation: We ensure your document complies with the U.S. Department of State’s requirements for apostille certification.
- Processing: We handle all communication with the U.S. Department of State to ensure a smooth apostille process.
- Delivery: Once your document is authenticated, it will be returned to you via your preferred shipping method.
Walk-In Expedite Service (2-Week Turnaround):
- Quick Processing: Need your document processed quickly? Our Expedited Walk-In Service guarantees a two-week turnaround. Bring your documents to our office, and we’ll ensure they are apostilled as quickly as possible.
Mail-In Processing Service (3-4 Weeks Turnaround):
- Affordable and Reliable: If you have more time, our Standard Processing Service offers a 3 to 4-week turnaround. This service is perfect for those who don’t need immediate processing but still want reliable and thorough apostille service.
Documents that are eligible to receive the Federal Apostille or Authentication Certificate include:
- FBI Criminal Background Check
- IRS Documents
- IRS Certification of Tax Filing Status
- IRS Forms (e.g., W-2, 1040)
- IRS Letter 147C (Income Verification)
- IRS Tax Return Transcripts
- Certificate of Name Change (from the U.S. federal court or relevant U.S. government agency)
- Social Security Documents
- Social Security Number Verification Letter
- Social Security Disability Documents
- U.S. Immigration Documents
- Naturalization Certificates
- I-20 Forms (Student Visa Documents)
- I-9 Employment Verification Forms
- I-797 Approval Notices
- FDA Documents
- Certification of Drug or Medical Device Registration
- FDA Inspection Reports
- FDA Product Approvals or Licenses
- U.S. Federal Court Documents
- Divorce Decrees
- Court Judgments
- Case Dispositions
- Adoption Decrees
- Wills and Probate Documents.
- U.S. Military Documents
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- Military Service Records
- U.S. Veteran Status Verification
If your destination country is listed here, it is a member of the Hague Convention. Your document will need an apostille certificate then its ready to be sent to your country of destination
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- China,
- Hong Kong &
- Macao
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Korea, Republic of
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova,
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia,
- Republic of
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
- and Northern Ireland
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Federal Authentication and Embassy Legalization Service
If your document requires international recognition and is destined for a country not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, a two-step process is required:
-
Federal Authentication: We begin by obtaining the necessary authentication from the U.S. Department of State, ensuring your document meets the federal requirements for international use.
-
Embassy Legalization: After the federal authentication, your document is submitted to the embassy or consulate of your destination country for final legalization. This ensures your document is fully recognized by your destination country’s government.
If your country of destination is listed below your document will require Federal Authentication and Embassy Legalization Service:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burkina
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Congo Republic
- Congo Democratic
- Ivory Coast
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos Faso
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Zimbabwe
- Qatar
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
Embassy Legalization Services
When an apostille is not accepted in the destination country, embassy legalization must certify U.S. documents for international use. Elite Documents provides expert assistance to ensure your documents are authenticated and legalized accurately and efficiently.
What is Embassy Legalization?
Embassy legalization is a multi-step process where your documents are certified at various levels before being authenticated by the foreign embassy in Washington, DC. This process is required for countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Our Embassy Legalization Process
- Document Verification:
- We review your documents to ensure they meet all legalization requirements.
- State Certification:
- For state-issued documents, we secure certification from the appropriate Secretary of State.
- Federal Certification:
- We obtain authentication from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC if necessary.
- Embassy Authentication:
- We liaise with the foreign embassy to complete the legalization process.
- Delivery:
- Once legalized, we ship your documents via USPS, FedEx, or DHL International to your preferred destination.
The Types of Documents Legalized at the embassies
- Government and Legal Documents:
- FBI reports and state background checks
- Criminal background checks
- IRS documents
- Certificates of naturalization
- Consular Reports of Birth Abroad
- Personal and Business Documents:
- Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and diplomas
- Educational documents
- Articles of incorporation and powers of attorney
- Certified court records
Which Countries Require an Authentication Certificate and Embassy Legalization:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burkina
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- Congo Republic
- Congo Democratic
- Ivory Coast
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos Faso
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Zimbabwe
- Qatar
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
Department of Justice (DOJ) Certification Services
Elite Documents specializes in Department of Justice (DOJ) certification services, ensuring your documents meet federal authentication standards for use abroad. Whether for personal, legal, or business purposes, we manage the process efficiently and professionally.
What is DOJ Certification?
DOJ certification verifies the authenticity of a document’s signature or seal by a federal official. This step is often required before obtaining further authentication, such as a U.S. Department of State apostille or embassy legalization.
Our DOJ Certification Process
-
Document Verification:
We carefully review your documents to ensure compliance with the Department of Justice (DOJ) requirements. -
Client Submission:
You will need to mail us the original document for processing. We cannot begin the certification process until we have received the original document. -
Submission to DOJ:
Once we have the original document, we submit it to the DOJ for official authentication. -
Further Authentication (Optional):
We can facilitate additional steps, such as Department of State apostille certification or embassy legalization, to ensure your document is fully authenticated for international use. -
Secure Delivery:
After certification, we return your document via your preferred shipping method (USPS, FedEx, or DHL International), ensuring secure delivery.
U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce Certification Services
Elite Documents offers professional certification services through the U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. This certification is essential for validating documents for use in Arab countries that require additional authentication beyond an apostille or standard legalization.
What is the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce Certification?
The U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce certification is a specialized process for authenticating commercial or legal documents for use in Arab League member countries. This certification confirms that your document meets the standards and requirements of the destination country.
Our Certification Process
- Document Review:
- We verify your documents to ensure they meet the Chamber’s requirements.
- State and Federal Authentication:
- We secure prior certification from the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State if necessary.
- Chamber Certification:
- We submit your documents to the U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce for official validation.
- Embassy Legalization (Optional):
- If required, we complete the process by obtaining legalization from the destination country’s embassy.
- Secure Delivery:
- Your certified documents are shipped to your preferred destination via USPS, FedEx, or DHL International.
Types of Documents Certified
- Commercial Documents:
- Certificates of origin
- Commercial invoices
- Business agreements and contracts
- Personal and Legal Documents:
- Powers of attorney
- Court orders
- Employment and educational documents
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Services
At Elite Documents, we offer Remote Online Notarization (RON) services for individuals and businesses seeking a fast, secure, and convenient way to get their documents notarized. With RON, you can complete the notarization process entirely online from the comfort of your home or office, saving time and avoiding unnecessary travel.
What We Offer:
- Convenience: Access our RON services from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Security: We use secure platforms that meet or exceed legal requirements for electronic notarization.
- Real-Time Video Notarization: Connect with our licensed notaries via a live video session to complete your document notarization.
- Wide Document Coverage: Ideal for powers of attorney, affidavits, real estate forms, business contracts, and more.
- Fast Turnaround: Digital documents are notarized and ready to use instantly after completion.
How It Works:
- Submit Your Document: Upload your document securely to our online portal.
- Verify Your Identity: Use our identity verification process, which may include presenting a valid government-issued ID.
- Connect with a Notary: Join a live video call with one of our notaries who will witness your signature and apply the digital notary seal.
- Receive Your Document: After notarization, your document will be digitally certified and available for download or submission.
Requirements:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone.
- A valid government-issued ID.
- A stable internet connection.
Pricing:
- Base fee: $55 per notarization (discounts available for multiple documents).
- Additional charges may apply for rush services or complex documents.
Virginia and Washington, D.C. Notary Services – Trusted, Professional, and Convenient
Searching for reliable notary services in Virginia or Washington, D.C.? At Elite Documents, we specialize in providing efficient, accurate, and secure notarial services to meet your personal or business needs. Whether it’s a simple acknowledgment or a complex loan signing, our experienced notaries ensure every document is handled with precision.
Our Comprehensive Notary Services:
- Acknowledgments & Jurats
- Required for legal documents such as affidavits, deeds, and power of attorney forms.
- Oaths & Affirmations
- Administered for legal declarations or sworn statements.
- Certified True Copies
- Secure notarization of non-recordable documents, including diplomas and contracts.
- Loan Signing Agent Services
- Trusted expertise for real estate transactions, loan refinances, and home equity loans.
- Mobile Notary Services
- Serving the entire DMV area with flexible, on-location notary services for your convenience.
- Apostille Services in Virginia and Washington, D.C.
- Fast, professional facilitation of state and federal apostilles for documents intended for international use.
- Multilingual Support: Services available in English and Spanish.
- Secure and Fast Transactions: We accept Zelle, Venmo, and Apple Pay.
Specializing in Notary and Apostille Services for Your Needs
We cater to a wide range of clients, including:
- Individuals requiring legal documents notarized for personal or professional use.
- Businesses need a reliable partner for loan signing services.
- Individuals seeking apostille services in Virginia and D.C. for international document authentication.
Elite Documents offers convenient Mobile Fingerprinting Services to bring the process directly to you, whether at your home, office, or other location. Our professional team ensures that you receive clear, legible fingerprints for background checks, immigration processes, and more, all from the comfort of your preferred location.
Pricing:
- Mobile Fingerprinting Fee: $45
- Per Fingerprint Card: $10 (per card, as required)
Process:
-
Schedule Your Mobile Appointment: Reach out to us to schedule a mobile fingerprinting appointment at a time and place that works for you.
-
Prepare for Your Appointment: Ensure you have a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) and any forms that need to be fingerprinted.
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Fingerprints Taken at Your Location: Our fingerprinting professionals will come to your location and take your ink fingerprints on official fingerprint cards.
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Post-Session Care: We will carefully ensure your fingerprint cards are legible and meet the necessary standards.
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Card Delivery: We can return the completed fingerprint cards to you or send them to the agency or organization that requires them.
With the Mobile Fingerprinting Service, you can save time and ensure your fingerprinting process is done accurately and efficiently at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Foreign Immigration Lawyer Consultations:
We offer 30 to 45-minute consultations with experienced foreign immigration lawyers in the following countries:
- Ecuador
- Spain
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Peru
During the consultation, we will discuss the documents needed for your visa application, providing you with a clearer understanding of what’s required.
After the consultation, we can assist in retrieving any necessary documents or, if you already have them, we’ll verify their authenticity to ensure they qualify for Apostille or authentication. Once your documents are ready, we will send them to your lawyer abroad to finalize your immigration paperwork. You will then work directly with your lawyer to complete the process.
If you are seeking to travel abroad but aren’t sure which destination to visit or how to book your trip, our travel advisor services can help you navigate that journey! From choosing the perfect destination to handling logistics and bookings, we can make your journey seamless. With insider knowledge and experience, our travel advisor can take care of your travel planning needs so you can enjoy a magnificent trip. Click here to contact our in-house travel advisor today!
Foreign Immigration Lawyer Consultations: We offer 30 to 45-minute consultations with experienced foreign immigration lawyers in the following countries:
- Ecuador
- Spain
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Peru
During the consultation, we will discuss the documents needed for your visa application, providing you with a clearer understanding of what’s required.
After the consultation, we can assist in retrieving any necessary documents or, if you already have them, we’ll verify their authenticity to ensure they qualify for Apostille or authentication. Once your documents are ready, we will send them to your lawyer abroad to finalize your immigration paperwork. You will then work directly with your lawyer to complete the process.
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