An apostille is a stamp that certifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. However, many people wonder how long an apostille is valid and whether it can be used indefinitely. The answer is not straightforward, as the period of validity depends on the requirements of a specific country and the type of document itself. The Etalon translation agency can help you navigate these nuances and properly arrange the apostille, allowing you to avoid potential rejections and associated risks.
How Long Is an Apostille Valid?
The validity of an apostille is not defined by international standards. The Hague Convention, which governs the issuance of apostilles, does not contain provisions that limit the validity period of the stamp. Therefore, an apostille on a document is considered valid indefinitely as long as the document itself remains current. However, some countries have their own rules—for example, they may require 'fresh' documents, such as a police clearance certificate or registry extract, with an apostille that is no older than 6 months. Government authorities in France and Belgium, for instance, require documents issued no later than six months before submission. As a result, the apostille will need to be applied to these new documents again.
Additionally, it is important to remember that the validity of an apostille depends not on the stamp itself, but on the document it is attached to. If the document's validity has expired, the apostille will not be able to make it relevant again. Therefore, before submitting documents to foreign institutions, it is advisable to clarify the accompanying requirements in advance, discussing them with specialists separately.
What to Do When Documents Expire
- Update/request a duplicate of the document. Order a new document and have an apostille placed on it again.
- Double-check the requirements. Verify whether 'fresh' documents are needed for a specific country.
- Obtain a duplicate. Request a duplicate with a new apostille if the original is lost or expired.
- Legal consultation. Get advice from lawyers to understand how to proceed in the current situation.
- Legalization. Determine whether legalization is needed instead of an apostille if applicable.
An apostille is an integral part of international document management, helping to confirm the authenticity of important papers for use abroad. Although its validity is not regulated by international norms, the rules of a specific country often have their own peculiarities and limitations. You can avoid these and associated risks by contacting the Etalon agency, whose specialists will help quickly and professionally resolve all issues related to the apostille.
