Apostille the original or the translation: the right order depends on the destination

Apostille the original or the translation? Usually, what gets apostilled is the original document. The order between the apostille and the translation depends on the case: the document can be apostilled first and translated afterwards, so the translation already includes the apostille, or translated first and apostilled afterwards. The agency that will receive the document decides.

That is why the right question is not "what is the order" but "what does the destination ask for". Knowing this before you order avoids redoing the translation or apostilling the wrong paper.

See the Apostille Service

Key takeaways

• Usually, the original document is apostilled, in the country that issued it.
• The order between apostille and translation depends on the case, and the destination agency decides.
• Apostilling first means the translation already includes the apostille; translating first is also a path some destinations accept.
• Apostilling only the translation proves just the translator's signature and is usually rejected.
• Some destinations, such as France, also ask for the apostille of the sworn translation.

Contents

• Apostille the original or the translation
• The order between apostille and translation depends on the destination
• The two paths, side by side
• Where the document is apostilled
• How to confirm before you start
• Frequently asked questions

Apostille the original or the translation

An apostille authenticates the signature and seal of the public official who issued or signed the document. That is why it usually goes on the original: that is where the signature of the agency the foreign country needs to recognize appears. Apostilling only the translation proves just the translator's signature, not that of the agency that issued the document, and it is usually rejected. Some destinations, such as France, ask for both: the apostille of the original and also the apostille of the sworn translation.

The order between apostille and translation depends on the destination

There is no single order that works for every process. The document can be apostilled first and translated afterwards, so the translation already includes the apostille. Or it can be translated first and apostilled afterwards. The agency that will receive it decides, which is why the first thing to gather is the destination country and institution.

The two paths, side by side

	Apostille first	Translation first
The order	Original, apostille, translation	Original, translation, apostille
What happens to the apostille	The translation already includes the apostille	The apostille comes after the translation
Who decides	The destination agency	The destination agency

Where the document is apostilled

A document can only be apostilled in the country that issued it. An American document is apostilled by the Secretary of State of the state that issued it. A Brazilian document is apostilled in Brazil, at a notary office (cartório) authorized by the CNJ, and the Brazilian apostille is electronic, so you do not need to travel.

How to confirm before you start

An apostille does not translate anything: if the destination agency asks for the document in the local language, the translation goes into the same order. Tell us the destination country and institution, and we confirm the right order for your case before the quote.

Frequently asked questions

Do I apostille the document before or after the translation?

It depends on the case. The document can be apostilled first and translated afterwards, so the translation already includes the apostille, or translated first and apostilled afterwards. The agency that will receive it decides the order.

Do I apostille the translation, the original or both?

Usually the original, and some destinations, such as France, also ask for the apostille of the sworn translation. Apostilling only the translation proves just the translator's signature and is usually rejected.

Does an apostilled document need a translation?

It depends on who receives it, not on who apostilles it: an apostille does not translate anything. If the destination agency asks for the document in the local language, the translation goes into the same order.

Can I apostille a Brazilian document in the United States?

No. A document can only be apostilled in the country that issued it: a Brazilian document in Brazil, at a notary office authorized by the CNJ, and an American document at the Secretary of State of the issuing state.

Want to know the right order for your document?

Now you know why the answer depends on the destination. Tell us where the document is going, and we handle the apostille and the translation in the order the agency asks for.

See the Apostille Service

Related topics: apostille services | certified translation | certified translation for USCIS | help center

Related article: Apostille vs notary: notarizing is not apostilling