Need Apostille Services in Reading, PA? Here’s What You Should Know
- Brian Klein
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
By Blue Ink Notary – Notary & Apostille Services in Berks County and Beyond
If you’ve been told you need an apostille, your first thought might be: What the heck is that? Your second thought might be: How do I even say that word?!? Don’t worry—at Blue Ink Notary, we hear those questions frequently, and we’re here to make the process easy, fast, and as stress-free as possible for you.
In this blog post, we’ll run through what an apostille is, why you might need one, and how we can help you get it done right here in Reading, Pennsylvania, Berks County—or around the state if needed.
✅ What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a special certificate issued by the state or federal government that verifies the authenticity of a document so that it can be used in another country. It confirms that a notary, government official, or other authorized person’s signature and seal are valid.
Think of it as an international stamp of approval.
The apostille process was established by the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, which created a simplified way to legalize documents for use in member countries.
🛫 Why Would You Need an Apostille?
You might need an apostille if you're:
Getting married abroad
Adopting a child from another country
Starting a job overseas
Studying or teaching abroad
Selling or buying property in a foreign country
Handling legal matters like powers of attorney for someone overseas
Translating and submitting business or corporate documents internationally
Any time a foreign government or organization asks for a U.S. document to be “legalized” or “certified,” chances are they’re asking for an apostille.
📄 Common Documents That Need Apostilles
Here at Blue Ink Notary, we handle apostilles for a wide range of documents, including:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Divorce decrees
Power of attorney
FBI background checks
School transcripts and diplomas
Corporate formation documents
IRS Form 6166
Adoption dossiers
If you're not sure whether your document qualifies or needs an apostille, we can help you find out.
🌍 Which Countries Require Apostilles?
Apostilles are required by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. These include popular destinations like:
Mexico
Italy
France
Spain
Brazil
The UK
Germany
India
Costa Rica
Japan
Australia
And over 120 more. You can see the full list here.
If the country is not part of the Apostille Convention (like Cuba or Thailand), your document may still need to go through a different type of legalization process, which we can also help you with.
🕵️♂️ How the Apostille Process Works in Pennsylvania
If you’re located in Reading, PA, or in Berks and its neighboring counties, here’s how the apostille process typically works with Blue Ink Notary:
You provide us with the original document (or a certified copy if required).
We’ll determine if the document needs to be notarized first. If so, we can notarize it for you.
Once notarized, we’ll submit the document along with any paperwork & fees to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State in Harrisburg (or the Secretary of State's office of the state where the document originated) or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., depending on the type of document.
After the apostille is issued, we return the completed paperwork to you, ready to be used internationally.
We offer mobile & online notarization (for eligible documents) options, and even nationwide apostille services for clients outside Pennsylvania.
🚗 Why Choose Blue Ink Notary for Apostille Services in Reading, PA?
At Blue Ink Notary, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses navigate the confusing world of apostilles. Here’s why clients in Reading and all across Pennsylvania trust us:
✔️ We handle the paperwork and state/federal submissions for you, including any fees due
✔️ Clear communication from start to finish
✔️ Mobile & online notary services for documents requiring notarization
✔️ Nationwide apostille service for out-of-state clients
✔️ Expedited service available for Pennsylvania documents
✔️ Transparent pricing with no surprises
We understand how time-sensitive these requests can be. Whether you’re flying off for a destination wedding or applying for dual citizenship, we make sure you have everything you need to meet international requirements—without the headaches.
🧠 FAQs About Apostilles
Q: How long does it take to get an apostille in Pennsylvania?
A: The standard processing time with the Pennsylvania Department of State is usually about 7-10 business days, but we also offer expedited service options depending on the document and destination.
Q: Can I get an apostille the same day?
A: Same-day apostilles are not typically available from Blue Ink Notary, but we can often overnight documents and speed up the process as much as possible. Reach out for rush service options.
Q: Do I need the original document?
A: It depends on the type of document. Vital records like birth or marriage certificates must be certified copies issued by the state. For other documents, notarized originals may be acceptable.
📍 Local Help You Can Trust
Located in Reading, PA, Blue Ink Notary proudly serves:
Berks County
Montgomery County
Lancaster County
Chester County
Lebanon County
Lehigh Valley
And clients across the state of Pennsylvania
No matter where you’re located, we’ll help you every step of the way. We know the ins and outs of apostilles so you don’t have to.
📞 Ready to Get Started?
If you're searching for apostille services in Reading, PA - whether you’re just starting the process or already have a document in hand, Blue Ink Notary is here to help with your apostille needs!
Blue Ink Notary, based in Greater Reading and serving Berks County as well as Lancaster, Montgomery, Chester, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Lebanon counties, has assisted numerous Pennsylvania residents and businesses with their document needs since 2019. I am generally available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm but am also available for emergency, early morning, evening & weekend appointments to help you with your documents, so contact me any time with questions.
To discuss your notary & apostille needs:
📲 Call or text 484-509-1405
📩 Email brian@blueinknotarypa.com
🖥️ Visit online at blueinknotarypa.com and message us in our chat box in the lower right corner of your screen or visit the Contact Us page
🗓️ Book you appointment online Here
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