Why Apostille Services Are in High Demand—And How Notaries Can Respond

As notaries, we often find ourselves at the center of important life events—real estate closings, legal paperwork, family transitions. But lately, a different kind of need is rising fast: apostille certification.

And if you’re wondering what’s driving this new wave of demand, buckle up—because it’s not just about paperwork. It’s about people, families, and communities navigating some very real and urgent situations.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certification that makes a U.S. document valid abroad in countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It’s commonly required for:

• Birth and marriage certificates

• School transcripts

• Power of attorney and custody documents

• Background checks

• Legal contracts and corporate filings

The Apostille Surge: What’s Going On?

In April 2025, ABC7 News reported a massive turnout in Orange County, California, where hundreds of people lined up at a pop-up apostille event. Some families arrived hours before it opened, trying to certify critical documents in preparation for immigration issues or potential deportation.

And this wasn’t a one-off.

Across the U.S., notaries and processing agents are seeing a spike in apostille requests—many from clients who are overwhelmed, misinformed, or on tight timelines.

What’s Fueling This National Trend?

1. Family Separation & Immigration Stress

With immigration policies tightening and legal uncertainties rising, many families are trying to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Apostilles are part of that preparation, especially when assigning guardianship, enrolling children in school abroad, or proving relationships.

2. Global Mobility Post-COVID

More people are working remotely, retiring overseas, or sending children to study abroad. This increase in international movement is directly linked to the rise in apostille requests.

3. Government Backlogs & Confusion

Let’s face it—state offices are often overwhelmed and hard to navigate. Most clients don’t know the difference between notarization and apostille, or which documents qualify. They turn to notaries hoping for answers.

Why Notaries Are Uniquely Positioned to Help

This is where we come in.

Notaries already handle high-stakes documents. Expanding into apostille services allows you to:

• Offer essential support during crisis moments

• Reduce stress for clients by guiding them through the process

• Increase your income by diversifying your services

Here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be an attorney or certified agent. But you do need to understand:

• The step-by-step apostille process (state and federal)

• What types of documents qualify (and how to prepare them)

• How to communicate clearly with clients who may be stressed or confused

Real Scenarios Where Apostilles Matter

To give you some context, here are just a few examples of situations we’re seeing more often:

• A parent needs to apostille custody documents so their child can stay with family abroad during immigration proceedings.

• A digital nomad needs to certify their degree and background check for a work visa in Spain.

• A high school senior is headed to college in the UK and must apostille their transcripts and vaccination records.

These aren’t just check-the-box transactions. These are life events.

The Process (in a Nutshell)

Here’s how it works:

1. The client provides a document that will be used in another country.

2. That document may need to be notarized (depending on its type).

3. It’s submitted to the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.

4. If accepted, an apostille certificate is attached—making it valid internationally.

The catch? Every state has different requirements, forms, and processing times. That’s why clients need someone who can guide them clearly and correctly.

How Notaries Can Start Offering Apostille Services

You don’t have to dive in all at once. But you can start by:

• Learning your state’s apostille process

• Understanding Hague vs. non-Hague countries

• Connecting with notaries already in the field

• Getting trained with tools, templates, and examples that simplify the process

At Notary Training Hub, we help notaries build their knowledge in a way that’s simple, practical, and community-focused. Whether you’re brand new or have taken a few calls and want to learn more, we’ve got your back.

Final Thoughts

The surge in apostille demand isn’t a fluke. It’s a reflection of real people navigating complex global realities—immigration, legal challenges, and international opportunity.

As notaries, we’re in a powerful position to help.

By offering apostille services, you’re not just growing your business. You’re bridging gaps, easing stress, and empowering people to move forward with their lives—documents in hand.

When you're ready to explore this side of notary work, start with education. Ask questions. Learn the process. And most importantly—be ready to show up for the people who need you.