š Proof of Love, Paperwork & Real Life: Valentineās Day Through a Notaryās Eyes
- USnotary
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Valentineās Day is all about love stories, flowers, proposals, long-distance romances, and future plans. But when it comes to legal matters, embassies and government offices need a little more than āweāre in loveāĀ š
At American Notary Service Center, we see the full picture of relationships every day. The romantic, the practical, and sometimes the difficult. This Valentineās Day, weāre breaking down the documents that actuallyĀ matter, why notarization and apostilles are so important, and answering the most common questions couples ask us.
Because love is emotional. Paperwork is not.
ā¤ļø Proof of Love: Documents Governments Actually Care About
We hate to be the buzzkill, but no embassy has a checkbox for ātrue love.ā What they doĀ care about is properly prepared and authenticated documentation.
Here are some of the most common documents couples need notarized or apostilled:
Marriage certificatesĀ (especially for international use)
Birth certificates
Affidavits of single status
Name change documents
Divorce decrees
Background checks
Power of attorney between spouses
Why āWeāre in Loveā Isnāt Enough
Government agencies need documents that are:
Official
Verifiable
Properly notarized
Apostilled when required for international use
A notarization confirms who signedĀ a document. Please note that vital records may do not need to be notarized, and they can be directly apostilled. An apostille confirms that the document is legally recognized in another country.
Romantic? Not really. Necessary? Absolutely.
ā Common Mistakes Couples Make With Documents
We see these mistakes all the time and they can cause serious delays:
Using copies instead of original documents
Notarized the documents that are not allowed to be notarized, like the most vital records
Not checking which country requires an apostille
Signing documents before notarization
Not paying attention to the expiration date if there are requirements on that
Assuming notarization = apostille (theyāre not the same!)
Waiting until the last minute before travel, weddings, or visa appointments
One missing step can turn a happy moment into weeks of frustration. Getting it right the first time saves time, money, and stress.
š Not All Valentineās Paperwork Is Romantic (And Thatās Okay)
Valentineās Day can be complicated. Not every client who walks through our doors is celebrating and thatās completely okay.
We also help with documents related to lifeās harder moments, including:
Divorce paperwork
Custody affidavits
Name changes after separation
Power of attorney during illness or emergencies
These documents arenāt about endings. Theyāre about protection, clarity, and moving forward. We handle them with discretion, compassion, and zero judgment.
Because love doesnāt always look the same, and neither does life.
š We Love Our Clients, So Weāre Answering Your Most Common Questions
Here are a few Valentineās-themed FAQs we get asked every week:
š How long does an apostille take?
Processing time depends on the document type and destination country. Some apostilles can be completed quickly, while others may take longer. We always guide you on realistic timelines so there are no surprises. Check the current processing time here.
š Do both partners need to be present?
Not always. Some documents require all parties present, while others donāt. It depends on the document and purpose. Weāll tell you exactly whatās needed before we process your case.
š Can documents be notarized online?
In many cases, yes. Remote online notarization is available for certain documents and situations. Ask us if your document qualifies.
š Can documents be apostilled online?
Very rare states in the US issued online Apostille Certificate, as far as we know, Kentucky issue E-Apostille. Also, many states do not apostille those online, digitally notarized documents. Ask us before you consider doing anything online.
š Do I need an apostille or just notarization?
This is one of the most common questions and the answer depends on where the document will be used.
Staying within the U.S.? You may only need notarization.
Using it internationally? An apostille is often required.
When in doubt, ask before submitting your paperwork.
ā¤ļø Love Is Personal. Paperwork Is Our Job.
Whether youāre planning a wedding, navigating immigration paperwork, or handling lifeās tougher transitions, weāre here to make the process simple and stress-free.
This Valentineās Day, let us take care of the paperwork. So you can focus on what truly matters.
š Order Apostille Service Online
Get started today.
š For State and Local Documents or Documents signed by a notary,
If they will be used in Hague Apostille Country, the service you'll need is:
Buy Now
š For Federally-issued Documents* and documents notarized by a U.S. Consular Officer,
If they will be used in Hague Apostille Country, the service you'll need is:
Buy Now
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.
