When preparing Michigan documents for international use, obtaining an apostille is often a required step to verify their authenticity. This article outlines the most common errors encountered during the Michigan apostille process and explains how a professional apostille service in Michigan can help ensure your documents are properly apostilled the first time.
Document & Certification Errors
Getting an apostille in Michigan sounds straightforward, but there are common issues that can slow things down. What are those?
Using Unofficial or Uncertified Copies
One of them is submitting unofficial or uncertified copies. Michigan requires either the original document or a certified copy issued by the appropriate state agency. For example, a Michigan birth certificate must come from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Remember that a notarized photocopy is not a substitute for a certified copy.
Submitting Documents from Ineligible Issuers
One more thing you should know is that Michigan apostilles can only be issued for documents that originate from the state or that are notarized by a Michigan notary public. Corporate documents need to come directly from the correct state office. School records, on the other hand, have to be officially certified by the institution or correctly notarized before they can be accepted. Personal records must come from Michigan’s state or county offices. If a document comes from another state or from an organization that Michigan doesn’t officially recognize, the state won’t be able to issue an apostille for it.
Missing or Incorrect Translations
If the country you work in requires translated records, be sure to include certified translations. Submitting incomplete, incorrect, or uncertified translations will cause delays. Professional services provide certified translations in 250+ languages, so you’re never on your own.
Notarization Mistakes
Notarized documents are one of the biggest trouble spots in the apostille process. Here are the most common issues people run into.
Stamped/Facsimile Signatures Instead of Original
Michigan notarization rules require an original signature and proper notarial wording. A stamped or facsimile signature is not acceptable. You shouldn’t forget that any record requiring notarization must be signed in ink and notarized correctly, or the apostille request will be rejected.
Missing or Wrong Notary Details
Another common mistake involves incomplete or inaccurate notary information. For a notarized document to be apostilled in Michigan, the notary must include: a valid Michigan commission, correct wording, date & signature with printed name, and a proper notary stamp. If a notary’s license has expired or details are missing, the document cannot be apostilled.
Form and Submission Errors
Paperwork might seem like the easy part of getting an apostille, but it’s actually where most people slip up. Before you mail anything off, check out the most common submission mistakes.
Incomplete or Incorrect Request Forms
Missing information, incorrect destination-country details, or incomplete signatures in your request form can result in delays. Many applicants overlook small details that can cause processing issues.
Missing Payment or Return Envelope
Missing payment or wrong shipping info can cause delays. Ensure all details are correct so your apostilled documents return smoothly via secure carriers like FedEx or DHL.
Mailing to the Wrong Address or Incorrect Courier Method
Michigan apostille documents must be sent to the Secretary of State Apostille Division in Lansing. Many applicants mistakenly send their documents to the wrong state office. Also, if you don’t use a tracked shipping method, your documents can get lost or take much longer to process.
Eligibility & Timing Issues
A lot of delays happen long before the state even touches your documents because people mix up what kind of certification they actually need. Let’s learn it once and for all.
Apostille vs Certificate of Authority Confusion
Apostilles are issued only for documents intended for use in Hague Convention countries. If the destination country is not part of it, the correct pathway is embassy or consulate legalization.
Out-of-state Documents not Eligible
It’s worth noting that Michigan cannot apostille documents issued in another state unless they are first notarized by a Michigan notary (where legally allowed). For example, a birth certificate from California cannot be apostilled in Michigan; it must be processed in California.
Underestimating Processing Time
Processing time depends on the state’s workload and the type of service selected. Michigan’s standard apostille processing may take 5–10 business days, but it can extend further during peak periods. If you decide to use professional services, this is what they offer:
- Standard processing: 4–14 business days
- Expedited service: 1–3 business days
- Same day service (where available): 24 hours
When the documents are needed for international legal matters, employment, study abroad, or marriage overseas, planning ahead helps avoid urgent delays.
How Professional Services Can Help
Even a small mistake can delay your apostille for days or weeks. That’s why many rely on professional services to keep the process smooth, fast, and error-free.
Pre-submission Review and Document Guidance
A major advantage of using professional services is the free pre-screening of documents before mailing. It means that specialists will review scans of your documents, identify potential issues, and tell you exactly what needs correction. As a result, you avoid unnecessary rejections and save your time.
Handling Notarization, Forms, and Mailing Logistics
Professional services manage the end-to-end process. So, you get a full package, including preparing forms, checking notarization, and ensuring proper delivery to the Michigan Secretary of State. This remote service even lets you complete the entire process without traveling or visiting an office.
Reducing the Risk of Rejection and Delays
Professional services stay in close contact with the Secretary of State’s apostille office and know exactly how Michigan’s document rules work. Clients also get a dedicated specialist who keeps them updated, answers questions, and ensures the documents are apostilled or legalized smoothly.
Choose a Faster and Easier Way to Get Your Michigan Documents Apostilled
The Michigan apostille process can feel overwhelming. Even simple mistakes, such as sending unofficial copies, using incorrect notarization, or confusing apostilles with embassy legalization, can cause long delays. Professional apostille services make the process much easier by reviewing your documents upfront and preparing everything correctly. They also handle secure mailing and offer faster processing options. The choice is yours, but with expert guidance, your Michigan documents will meet all required standards quickly and without stress.