The Apostille stamp is a special seal which is applied by legal authorities in order to certify that a document is a true and valid copy of the original. Apostille is applied in countries signatories of the Hague Convention, which was created in 1961, and which serves to shorten and replace the exhausting and time-consuming process of obtaining certification, when one had to go to various authorities for one single document to be sealed and certified. The Apostille Stamp is necessary for birth certificates, Certificates of no Impediment to marry and Free to Marry Affidavits.

For information about where to obtain an Apostille Stam in your country check on http://www.apostilleinfo.com.

The following is a list of the countries and territories which are a party to the Hague Convention: