# Apostille Services North Carolina | Thrive Carolina > Professional apostille services for North Carolina documents. We handle notarization, NC Secretary of State filing, and document return. URL: https://thrivecarolinanotary.com/apostille-services/ ![Apostille Services](/images/maps/apostille-certificate-with-north-carolina-secretar.webp) # NC Apostille Processing - Document Authentication for International Use We handle the complete apostille process - from document notarization to NC Secretary of State filing and return - so your documents are recognized internationally. Book Your Appointment [/contact/ →](/contact/) View All Services [/services/ →](/services/) ## What Is an Apostille? An apostille is a certificate of authentication issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State that verifies the legitimacy of a document for use in foreign countries. Under the Hague Apostille Convention, member nations accept apostilled documents without requiring further embassy legalization. If you need to use a document from North Carolina in another country -whether for employment, education, business, or personal matters -an apostille is likely required. ## Documents That Commonly Need Apostilles Our apostille processing services cover a wide range of document types: - **Vital Records** -Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates - **Educational Documents** -Diplomas, transcripts, degree verification letters - **Legal Documents** -Power of attorney, affidavits, court orders - **Corporate Documents** -Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, corporate resolutions - **Background Checks** -FBI background checks, state criminal history reports - **Personal Documents** -Name change orders, adoption documents ![Stack of official documents with apostille certificates and NC Secretary of State authentication stamps ready for international use](/images/content/official-documents-with-apostille-certificates-and.webp) ## Our Apostille Processing Steps ### Step 1: Document Review We review your documents to determine if they are eligible for an apostille and identify any additional steps needed, such as notarization or county certification. ### Step 2: Notarization (If Required) Many documents require notarization before the Secretary of State will issue an apostille. Our notaries handle this step so you do not need to make a separate appointment. ### Step 3: Submission to NC Secretary of State We prepare and submit your documents along with the required Authentication Request Form to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office in Raleigh. ### Step 4: Apostille Issuance The Secretary of State verifies the notary’s commission and issues the apostille certificate, which is attached to your original document. ### Step 5: Secure Return Your authenticated documents are securely returned to you via your preferred method -pickup, mail, or courier service. ## Processing Times **Estimated Turnaround: 2–4+ Weeks** Most North Carolina apostille requests should be planned around a **2–4 week processing window**, with additional time possible for mailing, return shipping, document corrections, or periods of high demand. For mailed submissions, customers should allow additional time. The North Carolina Secretary of State states that mailed authentication requests generally take about **5 business days longer than hand-delivered documents**. Turnaround times are estimates and are not guaranteed. Processing times are determined by the North Carolina Secretary of State and may change based on current demand, document requirements, submission method, and shipping. Last reviewed: August 2026. For the most current information, visit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Authentication Office [https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentication →](https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentication) . For a detailed timeline breakdown, read our guide on how long the apostille process takes in North Carolina [/blog/how-long-does-apostille-process-take-north-carolina/ →](/blog/how-long-does-apostille-process-take-north-carolina/) . ## Need It Faster? “Hand-delivered documents are typically processed faster than mailed submissions. Expedited courier options may help reduce mailing and transit delays, but processing time at the Secretary of State cannot be guaranteed.” Our service offerings focus on preparing and submitting your documents correctly so that the state office can process them without unnecessary delay. Estimated turnaround for hand-delivered submissions typically falls inside the 2–4+ week window above, while mailed submissions may extend beyond it. ![Professional reviewing apostille requirements with client at desk with Hague Convention reference materials and world map](/images/content/professional-reviewing-apostille-requirements-with.webp) ## Hague Convention Countries The Hague Apostille Convention is recognized by over 120 countries worldwide. If your destination country is a member, an apostille is all you need. For non-member countries, embassy legalization may be required instead -we can advise you on the correct process for your situation. ## Why Choose Thrive Carolina for Apostille Processing? Getting an apostille on your own means navigating government forms, understanding notarization requirements, and traveling to the Secretary of State’s office in Raleigh. Thrive Carolina handles every step so you can focus on your upcoming travel, business transaction, or personal matter. Our experience with the NC Secretary of State’s office ensures your documents are submitted correctly the first time, avoiding delays and rejections that commonly occur with self-filed applications. ![Completed apostille documents being prepared for secure courier delivery with tracking label and protective envelope](/images/content/completed-apostille-documents-prepared-for-secure-.webp) ## Get Professional Apostille Services Today NNA certified, bonded, and E&O insured. We come to your location anywhere in North Carolina. Book Your Appointment [/contact/ →](/contact/) ## Questions About Apostille Services How do I get an apostille in North Carolina? The apostille process involves notarizing the document (if required), then submitting it to the North Carolina Secretary of State for authentication. Thrive Carolina handles this entire process for you - from notarization through filing and return of your authenticated documents. What is the difference between notarization and an apostille? Notarization verifies the identity of the person signing a document and witnesses their signature. An apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates a notarized document for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Convention. How long does it take to get an apostille in North Carolina? Most North Carolina apostille requests should be planned around a 2-4 week processing window, with additional time possible for mailing, return shipping, document corrections, or periods of high demand. For mailed submissions, the North Carolina Secretary of State states that mailed authentication requests generally take about 5 business days longer than hand-delivered documents. Turnaround times are estimates and are not guaranteed. Processing times are determined by the North Carolina Secretary of State and may change based on current demand, document requirements, submission method, and shipping. Last reviewed: August 2026. For the most current information, visit the North Carolina Secretary of State's Authentication Office at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentication. What documents require an apostille in North Carolina? Documents intended for use in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Convention typically require an apostille. Common examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, college diplomas, academic transcripts, FBI background checks, corporate filings, and powers of attorney. The document must first be notarized before the NC Secretary of State can attach the apostille certificate. ## Schedule Your Apostille Appointment We travel to your location anywhere in North Carolina. Same-day availability when schedule permits. Book Your Appointment [/contact/ →](/contact/)