📌Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents FAQ. Here you’ll find clear answers about Apostille, Embassy Legalization, FBI Background Checks, and Certified/Sworn Translations. We support businesses and professionals across the United States with fast, compliant, and internationally accepted documentation.

General Questions

Q: What is an apostille?
A: An apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates a document for use in a Hague Convention member country. It verifies the signature and seal so your document is legally recognized abroad.

Q: What is the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?
A: Apostilles are used for Hague Convention countries. For non-Hague countries such as the UAE, Qatar, or Egypt, you’ll need embassy or consular legalization instead. We handle both processes nationwide.

Q: Can I use your services if I’m outside the U.S.?
A: Yes. We specialize in serving clients worldwide. Documents can be shipped to our offices, and we’ll return them internationally using secure, trackable shipping.

Service-Specific Questions

Q: Do you provide FBI background checks and apostilles?

A: Yes. We process FBI background checks and obtain federal apostilles from the U.S. Department of State. This is commonly required for visas, work permits, and residency abroad.

Q: Do you offer certified and sworn translations?

A: Yes. We provide Certified, Sworn, and Apostille Translations in multiple languages, accepted by USCIS, courts, embassies, and foreign authorities.

Q: What types of documents can you process?

A: We handle:

  • Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees.

  • Educational Documents: Diplomas, transcripts, degrees.

  • Corporate Documents: Business contracts, powers of attorney, patents, incorporation papers

Speed, Pricing, and Convenience

Q: Which states do you serve?
A: We process apostilles and legalizations for all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. Our physical offices are in:

Q: Do you serve businesses nationwide?
A: Yes. Whether you are an export company in Texas, a pharmaceutical firm in New Jersey, a wedding planner in Florida, or a real estate attorney in California, Porchlight Group Apostille provides compliant document authentication across all industries.

Geographic Coverage

Q: How fast can you process an apostille?
A: We offer multiple service levels depending on the state and document type:

  • Standard (10 business days)

  • Rush (7 business days)

  • Next-Day (where available)

Q: Do I need to visit your office in person?
A: No. Our services are designed to be fully remote. Simply ship your documents, and we’ll handle the process from start to finish.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Pricing depends on the document type, state, and service speed. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Industries

Q: Who typically uses apostille and legalization services?

A: Our clients include:

  • Export companies and logistics firms for international trade

  • Manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies for global compliance

  • Attorneys and law firms for immigration, family, and IP cases

  • Universities and study abroad offices for student mobility

  • Real estate professionals for cross-border transactions

  • Expats and digital nomads applying for residency abroad

Why Work With Us?

  • Nationwide coverage with offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

  • Remote processing, no in-person visits required

  • Expertise in Apostille, Embassy Legalization, FBI Background Checks, and Certified/Sworn Translations

  • Industry-focused solutions for corporations, law firms, universities, and professionals

  • Serving businesses nationwide with fast, compliant, and reliable service

Ready to Get Started?

Request a quick, tailored quote or connect with our team today about your apostille, legalization, or translation needs.