Pennsylvania Apostille Services
Fast, guided apostille processing for documents issued in Pennsylvania — vital records, notarized documents, business filings, diplomas, and more.
I help people who need Pennsylvania documents apostilled quickly by providing mobile notarization when required and expedited apostille courier service, so they don't have to figure out the process or make the trip to Harrisburg themselves.
Expedited courier service is available for clients who need Pennsylvania documents handled quickly.
When appropriate, mobile notarization and apostille courier service can be coordinated through one provider.
You don't have to figure out submission logistics, cover letters, payment preparation, or the Harrisburg trip yourself.
You receive updates throughout the process — from document pickup through apostille completion and return.
How Your Pennsylvania Apostille Service Works
- Step 1Consultation & Scheduling
Tell me what documents you have, what country they'll be used in, and how quickly you need service. I explain the process, provide a quote, and schedule document pickup.
- Step 2Mobile Document Pickup
I meet you to collect the documents. When an eligible document requires notarization and notarization is included in the engagement, I can handle that step before apostille processing.
- Step 3Harrisburg Courier Service
For expedited Pennsylvania service, I personally transport the documents to Harrisburg for submission.
- Step 4Apostille Completed
Once processing is complete and the document is returned to me with the apostille attached, I send you an update and can provide a photo of the apostille certificate confirming completion.
- Step 5Return Trip
I notify you that the completed documents are on their way back.
- Step 6Delivery Confirmation
The completed documents are returned according to your agreed delivery instructions.
From pickup through completion and return, you receive status updates so you know where your documents are in the process.
Each order gets a private tracking code you can enter on our tracking page. Processing times are set by the state and are not guaranteed, and apostille issuance is decided by the issuing office.
Verify Your Pennsylvania Apostille
Pennsylvania apostilles and certifications can be independently verified through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's official online verification system.
After your Pennsylvania apostille or certification is issued, you can use the certification number printed on the certificate to verify it through Pennsylvania's official Apostille / Certification Search.
- 1Find Your Certification Number
Locate the certification number printed on your Pennsylvania apostille or certification.
- 2Visit Pennsylvania's Official Verification System
Use the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's official Apostille / Certification Search.
- 3Enter the Number
Enter the 9-digit certification number to search for the certificate.
External link: official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website (notaries.pa.gov). Opens in a new tab.
Your finished Pennsylvania apostille isn't just a document we hand back to you. Pennsylvania provides an official online system that allows the certification number to be independently checked.
Mobile Notary Philadelphia does not issue apostilles or operate this database. Verification is performed through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
What Does Apostille Verification Mean?
A Pennsylvania apostille or certification confirms that the official signature on your public document is authentic, the capacity in which the signer acted, and, when applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp.
It does not certify that every statement written in the underlying document is true.
Pennsylvania apostilles are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg. The exact preparation depends on the document type — vital records need a certified copy from the PA Department of Health or the county registrar, notarized documents need a valid PA notary acknowledgment, and business filings need a certified copy from the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
We review your document up front, confirm the correct preparation, and handle submission so it's accepted the first time. Because we're based in Philadelphia, we can hand-deliver to Harrisburg when timing is critical.
Who needs this service
- Pennsylvania residents pursuing dual citizenship abroad
- PA-based companies expanding into foreign markets
- Teachers, healthcare workers, and engineers moving overseas for work
- Families adopting internationally or reuniting with relatives abroad
- Executors handling PA estates with foreign property
Required documents
- Certified copies of PA vital records from the Department of Health or issuing county
- Documents notarized by a valid PA notary
- Certified copies from the PA Bureau of Corporations for business filings
- Court-certified copies for court documents
- Registrar-signed academic records for diplomas and transcripts
Step-by-step process
- 1Send us your document
Upload or email a clear scan so we can confirm the correct process before you commit.
- 2Preparation & quote
We confirm timing, price, and any prerequisites like a certified copy, county authentication, or notarization.
- 3Submission to the PA Department of State
We submit to the PA Department of State and track the request end to end.
- 4Delivery
Documents can be mailed, picked up, or hand-delivered locally in Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Processing times
- Standard mail-in
Typically one to three weeks depending on current Department of State volumes.
- Hand delivery
Same-day or next-day possible when we walk documents into Harrisburg. Best for tight deadlines.
- Multi-document projects
Batched submissions are usually completed together to reduce cost and mail time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a hospital souvenir birth certificate instead of a state-certified copy
- Using an out-of-state notary — the apostille must come from the state where the notary is commissioned
- Missing county-level authentication when required for older notarized documents
- Requesting translation before the apostille is affixed
Included With Your Apostille Service
- Initial document review
- Review for common Pennsylvania apostille requirements
- Check for common signature/seal issues
- Review of notarization requirements when applicable
- Identification of potential Notary Good Standing questions
- Apostille submission preparation
- Status communication
- Return coordination
- One point of contact
Our goal is to identify common document issues before submission—not after your document reaches Harrisburg.
Does Your Document Need Proof of the Notary's Commission?
Sometimes a Pennsylvania-notarized document being filed in another state or country may require additional proof that the Pennsylvania notary was properly commissioned.
Pennsylvania calls this a:
Certificate of Good Standing for Notary Public
This certificate verifies the notary's appointment/commission through the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth. It is not required for every apostille and is not automatically added to apostille orders.
Requirements depend on where your document will be used. The receiving authority should determine whether proof of the notary's commission is required.
If you're unsure, we can flag this issue during document review so you know what to confirm with the receiving authority before submission.
Urgent? Harrisburg Hand-Carry
For eligible urgent Pennsylvania documents, see our $425 Harrisburg hand-carry option.
Document Review Before We Drive to Harrisburg
Before accepting an urgent Harrisburg hand-carry request, we review clear images of the documents for common apostille requirements and potential rejection issues. As applicable, we look at:
- Original vs. photocopy
- Correct issuing authority
- Required signature
- Required official seal
- Notarization requirements
- Destination country
- Potential Notary Good Standing requirement
- Other obvious Pennsylvania apostille preparation issues
Final acceptance is determined by the appropriate government authority.
Know What Happens to Your Documents
We review your documents for common Pennsylvania apostille preparation issues before submission.
We keep you informed while your apostille request is being handled.
Pennsylvania provides an online verification system that allows the certification number on the finished apostille/certification to be independently checked.
Pennsylvania Apostille Services — FAQ
Related resources
Need Help With a Document?
Call, text, or submit a quote request today. We will review your situation and explain the next step.