The pitfall of shortcut Apostille Processing

There is a right way and a wrong way to process documents to obtain an Apostille. Most of the time there is only the right way. However, there is often a “shortcut” to speed up the process. The most common situation that offers a shortcut is the out of state birth certificate. The right way for Ken Edelstein to process and obtain an Apostille for an out of state birth certificate is to obtain the Apostille in the state where the birth certificate was issued. However, sometimes my client is “in a hurry” and wants me to obtain the apostille in New York State – quickly.

I always caution my client that it is technically possible to obtain the Apostille in New York, but the Apostille “might” not be accepted in the target country of use. There is a procedure, totally legal, for obtaining an Apostille for a Birth Certificate issued in Montana – in New York City. I have done so many times – “most” of the time the Apostille bearing document is accepted. But, not always. It is the responsibility of my client to determine if the Apostille obtained in New York for a Montana issued birth certificate will be acceptable – where the Apostille bearing document will be presented.

As a New York Mobile Notary Public, with many years of experience with the “system” – I know the “ins and outs” of getting things done quickly. I always caution against shortcuts, but the client calls the shots. I can almost always obtain an Apostille or Certification – legally (the only way I would ever operate), but just having it does not guarantee its acceptance. Generally the shortcut process involves a statement by the holder of the document and not a statement by the official who issued the document. There is a major difference between the two. However, the constraints of time and distance often make the shortcut “worth a try”.

I am one of the few, if not the only mobile notary public who offers a total 100% guarantee that gives the client the choice of redo or refund. That guarantee is offered for almost everything I do. The exception is when I advise my client to not proceed with a shortcut method to obtain an Apostille or Certification. I feel it is my duty to advise them of the availability of the procedure while also advising that it not be utilized. The ultimate decision is made by my client and I process accordingly. However, a shortcut taken is taken without my personal guarantee – and each client is advised accordingly.

Apostille, Apostille Certificates, New York City Mobile Notary Public, New York Mobile Notary