Apostille services are one of the most overlooked income opportunities for Pennsylvania notaries. Why? Because most people don’t know what an apostille is—and most notaries don’t realize they can facilitate them legally and profitably.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be used in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Common documents that require an apostille include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Power of attorney documents
- Diplomas or transcripts
- Business agreements
To be accepted abroad, these documents must first be authenticated—and that’s where you come in.
Your Role as a Notary in the Apostille Process
Important: As a notary, you do not issue apostilles. That authority belongs to the Pennsylvania Department of State. However, you do play a crucial role in preparing the documents and guiding clients through the process.
Here’s how it typically works:
- The client brings a document that requires notarization for use abroad
- You notarize the document following Pennsylvania law
- You explain the next steps for obtaining the apostille through the Department of State or offer a courier service to handle the submission on their behalf
Bonus Tip: Most people don’t know where to start with apostilles. Position yourself as a Document Authentication Specialist and charge a facilitation fee for preparing, notarizing, and submitting the paperwork.
Why Apostille Services Are So Profitable
People who need apostilles often need them urgently—and are willing to pay a premium for a notary who can take the stress out of the process.
Standard Fee Breakdown:
- Notarization: $5–$15 (state-regulated)
- Facilitation fee: $75–$250+ per document
- Rush service surcharge: $50–$100
- Courier/drop-off fee (if applicable): $30–$100
With just 2–3 clients per week, apostille services can become a steady revenue stream in your notary business.
How to Offer Apostille Services (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to integrate apostilles into your service menu legally and confidently:
- Get trained — Understand the proper process, compliance standards, and submission protocol (covered in our course).
- Promote yourself as a specialist — Update your website, business card, and Google profile with “Apostille & Document Authentication Services.”
- Partner with attorneys and immigration consultants — They work with clients who constantly need document authentication for use abroad.
- Offer optional courier submission — Hand-delivering or mailing to the Department of State adds major value (and margin).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Claiming you “issue” apostilles — Only the Department of State can do this
- ❌ Not properly notarizing the document before submission
- ❌ Forgetting to separate your facilitation fee from the state fee
- ❌ Offering legal advice about which type of authentication a client needs (always refer them to the requesting authority)
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a law degree to offer apostille services. You just need to understand your legal role, master the process, and market yourself as the professional that confused, stressed-out clients are looking for.
This is your permission to earn more, serve better, and grow faster—starting with one document and one happy client at a time.
🎓 Ready to Go Pro? Enroll in the Notary Course
Our state-approved Pennsylvania Notary Education Course walks you through every step of the process—from getting commissioned to offering high-value services like apostille facilitation, mobile work, and document couriering.
You’ll also receive a full breakdown of compliance rules, real-world scenarios, and the tools you need to start earning like a pro—not just a stamp.
🎓 Enroll in the Notary Course Today
📥 BONUS
Download our free PA Notary Appointment Guide—the go-to resource for becoming a commissioned PA Notary.
