Send what you have
Use the starting step that fits your document. For notarization, the actual signer can begin free intake and Persona before the file is ready.
Not sure what kind of document you have?
Find the starting step for a document you sign, an official record, or an already-notarized package. We explain the work and cost before payment.
No payment before scope review. Opening the guidance below does not send a request.
Already started? Get support.
We identify the route
Tell us what the document is, who issued it, where it will be used, and any deadline. A final document is required before the notarial session.
You approve the next step
We explain the scope before payment.
Which situation looks most like yours?
You do not need to know the legal label. Start with who created the document and whether it has already been signed or certified.
A complete document you will sign
Power of attorney, affidavit, consent, authorization, sworn statement, or another complete unsigned document.
Start my free signer intakeAn official or certified record
Vital, court, company-registry, school, or other record issued or certified by an office. Use this request if it needs an apostille without a notarization step.
Start official-record apostille requestAn already-notarized document
Keep the document unchanged. We usually complete a new Notary Geek notarization before the apostille. That notarization is included in the apostille fee. Using only the outside notarization requires a specifically accepted exception.
Read the already-notarized guidanceA federal document or special case
FBI background check, embassy or consular package, title or release document, or a country-specific bundle.
Find the starting step for this packageThe document source changes the route
Something you sign
Usually starts with the right notarial act, then the correct state or federal route.
An official record
Usually starts with a certified copy from the issuing office - not a notarized photocopy.
Already notarized
We check the certificate, commissioning state, destination, and recipient instructions.
Have these details ready
The document or record you need
Identify its title and issuing office. Include the current document when available; say if you still need to obtain it.
The destination country or receiving office
Include written recipient or official requirements so we can compare them with the document source and proper authority.
Your deadline and written instructions
Include any rejection or special wording request.
Common questions
Can every photocopy be notarized?
No. A notary may be able to notarize a signer's statement about a copy in some situations, but that does not turn the copy into an official certified record. Send the document and recipient instructions before choosing that route.
Does every overseas document need an apostille?
No. The answer depends on where the document originated, where it will be used, and whether the receiving country uses the Hague Apostille Convention. A valid Hague apostille completes the authentication chain. For a non-Hague destination, the route may require authentication and embassy or consular legalization instead.
What if my document was rejected?
Send the exact document, the written rejection or instructions, the receiving office, and the deadline. We review the stated problem before suggesting another notarization, certified copy, apostille, or authentication step.
We explain the document route, but we do not provide legal, tax, or immigration advice or guarantee recipient acceptance.
Start with the document. We'll help identify the route.
No payment before scope review.