You may have wondered: can you apostille a passport? It’s a common question—and one that comes with a surprising answer. While the original U.S. passport itself cannot be apostilled, there is a secure and legally recognized process that allows you to submit a notarized copy for apostille certification.
At VIP Notary Services, we help clients across Santa Monica and West LA navigate the passport apostille process smoothly and confidently. Our team ensures your documents are prepared, notarized, and submitted properly. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—including how to apostille a U.S. passport copy and why notarization plays a critical role.
Why You Might Need an Apostille for Your Passport
An apostille is a form of international certification issued by the Secretary of State that confirms the authenticity of a document. It allows that document to be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. While apostilles are commonly used for birth certificates, diplomas, and powers of attorney, some individuals also need to submit an apostilled copy of their passport for various reasons, such as:
- Applying for dual citizenship or visas
- Supporting documents for international property purchases
- Verifying identity for business or banking abroad
- Submitting documentation for legal matters overseas
- Enrolling in foreign schools or academic programs
Understanding can you apostille a passport is the first step toward making sure your documentation is accepted in the country where you intend to use it.
Can You Apostille a Passport Directly?
The short answer is no—you cannot apostille an original U.S. passport. This is because a passport is a federally issued document, and the U.S. Department of State does not allow alterations or certifications to the physical passport itself. Apostilles are only applied to documents issued or notarized within a state, not federal documents like a passport.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’re wondering how to apostille a U.S. passport, the solution is to create a notarized color copy of your passport’s identification page. This notarized copy can then be submitted to the Secretary of State for an apostille—making it a valid and accepted document for international purposes.
How to Apostille a Passport Copy
While you cannot apostille the passport itself, here’s how to apostille a passport copy the correct way:
Step 1: Make a Color Copy of Your Passport
The first step is to make a full, clear color copy of the passport’s data page (the page with your photo, name, and details). This is the page that foreign governments and agencies will need to verify.
Make sure the copy is unaltered and legible. Any cropping, blurring, or incomplete information may result in delays or rejection during the apostille process.
Step 2: Get the Copy Notarized
The next step is to have your color copy notarized. This means a licensed Notary Public will attach a statement (called a “copy certification by document custodian”) affirming that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
At VIP Notary Services, we provide on-site notarization at your home, office, or a location that’s convenient for you. We ensure the notarized statement meets California Secretary of State requirements, preventing rejections or do-overs.
Step 3: Submit the Notarized Copy for Apostille
After notarization, the document is submitted to the California Secretary of State or the Secretary of State of the state in which it was notarized. They will review the notary’s credentials and attach an official apostille certificate.
So, can you apostille a passport? Technically, no—but with the proper notarized copy, your passport information can be certified through a legal and internationally accepted process.
What Documents Do You Need to Apostille a Passport?
Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready to avoid unnecessary delays:
- A clear, color copy of your U.S. passport (identification page only)
- A notarized copy certification, which we can prepare and notarize for you
- A completed apostille request or cover letter, depending on the state
- Valid government-issued ID for your notarization appointment
- Payment for Secretary of State fees (varies by state)
- A prepaid return envelope if you want documents mailed back directly
VIP Notary Services can guide you through each document, review your materials, and help you submit everything correctly.
How Long Does It Take to Apostille a Passport Copy?
Processing time depends on the state office and whether you request expedited service. Here are typical timelines:
- Standard processing (California): 5 to 10 business days
- Expedited options (in person or by courier): 1 to 2 business days
- Mail-in submissions: Add mailing time in both directions (2–5 days)
We always recommend beginning the process well in advance of your international deadlines. If you’re in a hurry, ask us about rush services and walk-in submission options—we’ll point you in the right direction.
What Is the Hague Apostille Convention?
The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the legalization of public documents between member countries. Instead of going through multiple layers of certification and embassy legalization, a single apostille certificate is enough for documents to be accepted abroad.
Countries that are members of the Hague Convention include:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Mexico
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
If your destination country is not a member, your passport copy may need additional steps, such as certification by the U.S. Department of State and the relevant foreign consulate or embassy.
Not sure what your destination requires? VIP Notary Services can help determine the correct route based on your unique case.
Why Work with VIP Notary Services?
Getting documents apostilled can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with different state, federal, or international requirements. That’s where we come in.
Here’s what makes VIP Notary Services the preferred choice in Santa Monica and the West LA area:
- Mobile Notarization – We come to you, saving you time and hassle.
- Expert Guidance – We’ll walk you through how to apostille a passport copy step-by-step.
- Same-Day Service – Urgent appointment? We’re available 24/7, including evenings and weekends.
- Document Accuracy – We make sure everything is filled out, notarized, and formatted correctly.
- Local Experience – With over a decade of experience, we know how to navigate California apostille requirements with ease.
Whether you need a single passport copy notarized or are preparing a full set of documents for international use, we’re here to help make the process fast, easy, and professional.
Still Wondering How to Apostille a U.S. Passport?
To recap: you cannot apostille the original U.S. passport, but you can submit a notarized copy for apostille certification. This certified copy is widely accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention and often in non-member countries with additional steps.
VIP Notary Services helps make this process seamless. From preparing your copy and notarizing it correctly to ensuring your documents are ready for state processing, we provide dependable, efficient service designed around your schedule.
Contact VIP Notary Services Today
If you’re still unsure whether you can apostille a passport—or how to move forward with a notarized copy—we’re here to guide you. Our team specializes in notarizing passport copies and walking clients through every step of the apostille process with accuracy and care. From document preparation to state submission support, we ensure everything is handled correctly the first time.
We proudly serve Westwood, Studio City, and surrounding communities with 24/7 mobile notary service. Whether you’re working on a tight deadline or preparing for an international move, VIP Notary Services brings fast, reliable service directly to your doorstep. Call or text us today to get started and take the stress out of passport document certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While you can’t apostille the original passport, we’ll notarize a certified copy and guide you through the proper steps for submitting it to the California Secretary of State for apostille. We offer mobile service throughout Santa Monica and nearby areas.
We offer same-day mobile notary appointments in West LA, and we’ll help you complete the required paperwork for apostille processing. We also advise on expedited delivery or courier options when time is critical.
Just bring your original U.S. passport and a valid photo ID. We’ll handle the copy preparation, notarization, and ensure it meets California apostille submission standards.
Absolutely. VIP Notary Services is available 24/7—including evenings, weekends, and holidays—to notarize your passport copy wherever you are in the Santa Monica or West LA area.
If the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, a notarized and apostilled passport copy is usually accepted. If not, you may need embassy-level legalization. We’ll help you determine the correct process based on your specific needs.