Apostille Services

Here's the exact workflow we follow for a complete apostille + translation package. First, we receive your original document (or a certified copy, depending on the document type). Second, we submit it to the appropriate authority — the relevant Secretary of State for state documents, or the US Department of State for federal documents like FBI background checks. Third, once the apostille is issued and physically attached to or accompanying your document, we produce the certified Spanish translation of both the document and the apostille certificate. Fourth, we deliver the complete package: your apostilled original plus the certified translation, ready to submit to the Cancillería, SENESCYT, or whichever Ecuador agency requires it. This end-to-end process eliminates the common mistake of submitting a translation that doesn't include the apostille.

Processing times vary significantly by state, and planning around these timelines is essential if you have a visa appointment or SENESCYT deadline. Some states, like Florida and Texas, offer expedited same-week processing for an additional fee. Others, like New York and California, have standard processing times of 4-6 weeks with limited rush options. The US Department of State (for federal documents like FBI checks) typically processes apostilles in 4-8 weeks for standard service, with an expedited option at approximately 2-3 weeks. We maintain current processing time data for all 50 states and factor these timelines into your project plan from day one. If your timeline is tight, we'll recommend the fastest available route and, when possible, use professional expediting services that can physically hand-deliver documents to the Secretary of State's office.

The number one mistake we see is clients sending documents to the wrong authority. Your birth certificate from Ohio must go to the Ohio Secretary of State — sending it to the state where you currently live won't work. The second most common issue is with certified copies versus originals. Some states will only apostille original documents, while others accept certified copies. For FBI background checks, the US Department of State will only apostille the original channeler letter — not a photocopy. Third, documents that were notarized must be apostilled in the state where the notary is commissioned, regardless of where the document was originally created. We navigate all of these requirements as part of our service, but understanding the basics helps you gather the right documents from the start and avoid unnecessary delays.