Pennsylvania:
Apostille & Authentication Services
Professional apostille, authentication for Pennsylvania documents being used internationally.
Pennsylvania Apostille Services — Fast. Accurate. Professional.
Pennsylvania documents must be properly prepared for international use. Prismark reviews your documents first, determines the correct path, and coordinates the appropriate apostille or authentication process from start to finish.
Not sure what your document requires? We can help.
Georgia Documents We Handle
Vital Records
Birth • Marriage • Death • Divorce
Academic Documents
Diplomas • Transcripts • School Records
Legal & Notarized Documents
Powers of Attorney • Affidavits • Other Notarized Documents
Business Documents
Corporate Records • Agreements • Resolutions
Georgia Public & Court Records
Court Documents • Georgia Background Checks • Other Qualifying Public Records
FBI Background Check?
Federal documents follow a different process. We handle those too.
Pennsylvania Documents We Handle
Vital Records
Birth • Marriage • Death • Divorce
Academic Documents
Diplomas • Transcripts • School Records
Legal & Notarized Documents
Powers of Attorney • Affidavits • Other Notarized Documents
Business Documents
Corporate Records • Agreements • Resolutions
Pennsylvania Public & Court Records
Court Documents • Pennsylvania Background Checks • Other Qualifying Public Records
FBI Background Check?
Federal documents follow a different process. We handle those too.
Apostille or Authentication?
The destination country determines how your Pennsylvania document must be processed.
Hague Convention Countries
Generally require an Apostille through the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Examples: Mexico • Colombia • France • Germany • Italy • Spain
Non-Hague Countries
Generally require a Certification through the Pennsylvania Department of State and may require additional federal and/or embassy or consular legalization.
Examples: Cuba • Thailand • Vietnam • United Arab Emirates • Egypt
Not sure which one you need? We’ll determine the correct process for your destination country.
Why Clients Choose Prismark
When accuracy and communication matter, Prismark makes the process easier.
- Documents reviewed in advance
- Pennsylvania requirements coordinated for you
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Original documents handled securely and with care
- Translation and international shipping available
- Nationwide and international document support
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Translation Services & International Delivery
Need your documents translated or shipped internationally? Prismark can take care of that too.
Professional Translation
Translation services available in 150+ languages, including certified and specialized translations when required.
Domestic & International Delivery
Secure return delivery available throughout the U.S. and worldwide using major express carriers.
One process. One point of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pennsylvania apostille?
A Pennsylvania apostille authenticates the signature and seal of a Pennsylvania public official for a document being used in a Hague Convention country. Pennsylvania apostilles are issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth through the Pennsylvania Department of State.
What types of Pennsylvania documents can be apostilled?
Common documents include birth and marriage records, diplomas and transcripts, court documents, Pennsylvania criminal record checks, powers of attorney, affidavits, business documents, and other qualifying public or notarized documents. Requirements vary by document type, so Prismark reviews your documents before processing.
Who issues apostilles in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of State, Office of Notaries, Commissions & Legislation, processes apostilles and certifications on behalf of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Does my Pennsylvania document need to be notarized before it can be apostilled?
It depends on the document. Private documents generally require proper notarization, while certain certified public records do not. Pennsylvania specifically requires diplomas, transcripts, and criminal record checks to be notarized by a Pennsylvania notary before apostille or certification. Birth certificates should not be notarized.
Do Pennsylvania notarized documents require county-clerk certification before an apostille?
Generally, no additional county-clerk certification is required for a properly notarized Pennsylvania document. The Pennsylvania Department of State can authenticate the signature of a commissioned Pennsylvania notary. Certain county-issued public records, however, have their own signature and certification requirements.
Can a Pennsylvania background check be apostilled?
Yes. Pennsylvania criminal history background checks are available through the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system. For apostille or certification, Pennsylvania requires the criminal record check to be notarized by a Pennsylvania notary before submission to the Department of State.
What happens if my document is going to a non-Hague country?
For a non-Hague destination, Pennsylvania issues a certification rather than relying on the Hague Apostille process. Additional authentication by the U.S. Department of State and legalization through the destination country’s embassy or consulate may also be required. Prismark can determine the appropriate process for your destination country.
Can Prismark help if I’m outside Pennsylvania?
Yes. You do not need to be physically located in Pennsylvania for Prismark to coordinate apostille or authentication services for qualifying Pennsylvania documents. Contact us to review your documents and determine the appropriate process.
Where are Pennsylvania apostilles processed?
Pennsylvania apostilles and certifications are processed by the Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg.
Can a Pennsylvania apostille be expedited?
Walk-in requests are available at the Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg and are processed while you wait, subject to office hours and availability. Prismark can review your deadline and determine the appropriate processing option.
What if my document was notarized outside Pennsylvania?
A document notarized by a notary commissioned in another state generally must be authenticated by the appropriate authority in that notary’s state. Contact Prismark and we can determine where your document should be processed.
Can Prismark authenticate an FBI background check?
Yes. FBI background checks are federal documents and follow a different authentication process through the U.S. Department of State rather than the Pennsylvania Department of State. Prismark provides separate FBI Background Check & Authentication services.
How long does a Pennsylvania apostille take?
Processing time depends on how the documents are submitted. Pennsylvania currently states that mailed requests are generally processed within 5–7 business days after receipt, not including mailing time, while walk-in requests are processed while you wait. Processing times can change, so contact Prismark if you have a deadline.
Can Prismark provide translation and international delivery?
Yes. Prismark can coordinate professional translation services in 150+ languages and arrange secure domestic or international return delivery.
The Trusted Choice for Notary & Apostille Services
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Need a Georgia Document Apostilled?
Let Prismark take care of the process.
Send us your document details and destination country, and we’ll review what’s required. For the fastest review, include:
- Document type
- Where the document was issued
- Destination country
- Number of documents
- Your deadline
- Current location of the original documents