Moving Abroad? How Elite Documents Simplifies Apostille, Authentication, and Visa Paperwork for Americans Relocating Overseas

To obtain a certified copy of a vital record, you’ll need to request it from the appropriate issuing authority, such as a state or county government agency. This includes birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.

For detailed information on how to request these documents, visit the CDC’s Vital Records Information Page or contact us for assistance with your vital record request.

Single Status Certificates are issued differently depending on the state. Some states provide them at the state level, while others issue single status documents through the county. In many states where no official single status document exists, you can create an Affidavit of Single Status, swearing to your single status in front of a notary. We can assist you in preparing this affidavit to ensure it meets legal requirements.

How Elite Documents Can Help:

At Elite Documents, we simplify the process of obtaining your vital records. In some states, we can request certified copies on your behalf directly. In states where requests are restricted to the individual, we provide you with the correct forms and guide you through the submission process. Where allowed, we can also handle the submission for you, ensuring your documents are processed quickly and accurately.

When you need access to court records, the first step is determining which court holds the specific document you’re looking for. This could include:

• Civil Court Records: For lawsuits, disputes, or small claims cases.
• Criminal Court Records: For criminal charges, convictions, or case dispositions.
• Family Court Records: For matters like divorce, child custody, or adoption cases.

Once you’ve identified the correct court, the next step is to request the documents through the Court Clerk’s Office. Each court has its own process, and requirements can vary based on the jurisdiction, including fees, processing times, and access restrictions.

For detailed information, you can visit your local Court Clerk’s Office. However, if you’d prefer a hassle-free experience, Elite Documents Retrieval Service can handle the process for you. We specialize in retrieving certified court documents quickly and accurately, ensuring you get the records you need without the stress.

If you need certified copies of business documents, your state’s Secretary of State office is the place to go. Certified copies serve as official, state-verified duplicates of important business filings, often required for legal processes, securing financing, or expanding operations.

Common documents you can request certified copies of include:

• Articles of Incorporation/Organization: Proof of your company’s legal formation.
• Certificates of Amendment: Official confirmation of changes to your business structure.
• Annual Reports: Verified records of your company’s yearly filings.
• Certificate of Good Standing: Shows your business is compliant with state laws.
• Dissolution Documents: Confirmation that your business has been officially closed.

Processing times and fees vary by state, so it’s important to contact your state’s office directly. You can find your state’s contact details through the National Association of Secretaries of State Directory. 

If you prefer a hassle-free process, Elite Documents can retrieve certified copies of these documents on your behalf, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

To obtain your FBI Criminal Background Check while residing in the U.S., you can either work directly with the FBI or use an FBI-approved channeler.

1. Direct Submission to the FBI:

If you choose to work directly with the FBI, you’ll need to complete the necessary forms and submit your fingerprints for processing. The FBI accepts both electronic and inked fingerprint submissions. Processing typically takes about 3-5 weeks once your materials are received.

For detailed instructions and to begin your application, visit the official FBI background check page: FBI Identity HistorySummary Checks

2. Submission via FBI-Approved Channelers:

Channelers are private entities authorized by the FBI to expedite the background check process. They offer faster processing times, often within 24-48 hours, and many provide electronic fingerprinting (Live Scan) at various locations.

For a list of approved channelers and their services, visit: FBI Approved Channelers

Fingerprint Submission Details:

Regardless of the method you choose, ensure your fingerprints are clear and properly captured. You can submit up to five fingerprint cards, with at least one being mandatory. Inked fingerprints are acceptable if Live Scan is not available. The FD-258 fingerprint card can be printed on regular printer paper; however, it’s highly recommended to print it on card stock or thick paper to ensure durability and proper processing.

Important Note for International Applicants:
All FD-258 fingerprint cards originating from outside the United States must be sent directly to the FBI for processing.

Elite Documents Submission:

If you’re working with Elite Documents, we require the completed and signed Applicant Information Form along with your inked fingerprint cards. We can submit up to five cards on your behalf, with one being required. 

1. FBI Identity History Summary Request Form
2. FD-258 ink fingerprint card

Once we receive your FBI background check results, we take them directly to the U.S. Department of State for Federal Apostille certification. This ensures your documents are ready for international use, meeting all legal requirements for countries that recognize the Hague Apostille Convention.

If you need to use official documents abroad, you’ll likely require an apostille to verify their authenticity. Depending on the document type, you’ll go through either the state or federal apostille process.

State Apostille Process

For state-issued documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and notarized documents:

1. Contact the Secretary of State where the document was issued.
2. Submit the state’s apostille request form with the certified document.
3. Pay the apostille fee (varies by state) and include a self-addressed return envelope.
4. Processing Time: A few days to several weeks, with expedited options in some states.

Federal Apostille Process

For federally issued documents like FBI background checks or U.S. District Court documents:

1. Obtain a certified copy from the issuing federal agency.
2. Send to the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications.
3. Complete Form DS-4194 and include payment per document.
4. Processing Time: Mailin can take 3-6 weeks, with expedited service available via walk-in, we cut the time to 9 days.

Let Elite Documents Handle It for You

The apostille process can be complex, but Elite Documents makes it easy. We can assist with form preparation, guide you through the process, and, where allowed, submit documents on your behalf—saving you time and hassle.

Contact Elite Documents today to simplify your apostille process!