The 3 Documents Most People Forget to Apostille Before Moving Abroad

...and how to avoid that last-minute panic before your flight.

So, you’re packing up your life and making that big move overseas. Exciting, right? New adventures, new culture, new food (yes, please!)—but hold on a second... have you double-checked your documents?

I’ve helped so many people get their apostilles last-minute—I'm talkin’ "leaving tomorrow" kind of panic—and guess what? It’s almost always the same three documents folks forget to get apostilled before they hop on a plane. Let’s make sure that’s not you.

1. FBI Background Check (Yes, even if you’re squeaky clean!)

If you're moving abroad for work, teaching, or even applying for a visa, chances are they're going to want proof you’re not a criminal.

Most countries will ask for a federal background check—and not just the printout. It needs to be apostilled through the U.S. Department of State, which takes some time (unless you’re using someone like me to fast-track it). At the time of this writing the Department of State has an approximate turnaround time of 5+ weeks.

👉 Pro tip: If you haven’t gotten fingerprinted yet, I offer mobile ink fingerprinting so we can get the ball rolling today.

2. Birth Certificate

You’d be surprised how many people forget this one—especially folks moving with kids.

Your birth certificate might be needed to prove identity, nationality, or even eligibility for certain residency permits. And if your kids are enrolling in school abroad? Yes, most times their documents need to be apostilled too.

Just having a copy won’t cut it—it needs to be a certified copy from the state where you were born, then apostilled in that same state. It’s also a good idea to have more than one copy of all birth certificates. Once the Apostille certificate is attached and stamped to the birth certificate, and then presented in the foreign country it will likely not be returned.

👉 I handle Indiana birth certificate apostilles personally and same-day. No outsourcing, no waiting.

3. Power of Attorney (POA)

Now this one slips under the radar all the time. If you're going to be living abroad and still have business, property, or legal matters back in the U.S., you need someone who can act on your behalf.

That’s where a Power of Attorney comes in—but if it's going to be used internationally, it has to be notarized and apostilled or it won’t be accepted.

I can’t tell you how many times people realize this after they land overseas. And let me tell you, trying to notarize and apostille a POA from another country? It’s a headache no one needs.

👉 Let’s knock it out before you go.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Staring at a Packed Suitcase

You’ve got enough to think about—visa paperwork, luggage limits, saying goodbye to friends and family. Let me help take the pressure off.

I offer same-day mobile notary and apostille services in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. I come to you, handle the paperwork, and get your apostille moving fast.

Whether you're moving next month or next week, let’s make sure every document you need is done right the first time—so you’re not scrambling from across the world.