Do I send my actual passport to you?

No. We work from a copy. You keep the original. We'll tell you exactly how to prepare the copy for notarization.

How long does it take?

Timing depends on which authority processes the apostille and whether consular legalization is also required. We provide a timeline at order.

My destination country requires a translation of the passport copy — can you help?

Yes. We offer certified translation as an add-on so your authenticated copy arrives in the language your authority requires.

Will an apostilled passport copy be accepted everywhere?

Acceptance depends on the destination country and the institution requesting the document. We can advise on what your specific country typically requires.

Personal document

Passport apostille

A US passport is a federal identity document, and situations arise — foreign bank account openings, permanent residency applications, property purchases abroad, and legal proceedings in other countries — where the receiving authority requires an authenticated copy rather than the original. Because passports are issued by the federal government, authentication follows a different path than state-issued documents.

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What is a Passport apostille?

You cannot apostille a passport itself — the original travels with you. Instead, a notary certifies a copy of your passport, and that notarized copy is then submitted to the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned (for the notary's signature) and, in some cases, onward to the US Department of State. The apostille certifies the notary's authority, which in turn authenticates the copy.

When you need one

Common needs include opening a bank account in a foreign country, purchasing real estate abroad, establishing residency or obtaining a long-stay visa, registering with local authorities in a new country, and providing certified ID in foreign legal or notarial proceedings where a plain copy is not accepted.

How Laurela handles it

We coordinate the notarization of your passport copy and route it to the correct authority — the state Secretary of State if the notary's signature is what needs certification, or the US Department of State for a federal-level document. We also assess whether your destination needs consular legalization instead of an apostille.

Apostille vs. embassy legalization

Hague Convention member countries accept an apostille as final authentication. For non-member countries, the document typically needs State Department certification followed by legalization at the destination country's US embassy or consulate. We handle the full chain when required.

Frequently asked questions

Do I send my actual passport to you?: No. We work from a copy. You keep the original. We'll tell you exactly how to prepare the copy for notarization.
How long does it take?: Timing depends on which authority processes the apostille and whether consular legalization is also required. We provide a timeline at order.
My destination country requires a translation of the passport copy — can you help?: Yes. We offer certified translation as an add-on so your authenticated copy arrives in the language your authority requires.
Will an apostilled passport copy be accepted everywhere?: Acceptance depends on the destination country and the institution requesting the document. We can advise on what your specific country typically requires.

This page explains a general process and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by issuing authority and destination country; we confirm the specifics for your order. Verified 2026-06-20.