The distinction between apostille and certified copy depends on who created the document and how it's authenticated. Notarized documents (like powers of attorney, affidavits, consent forms) are apostilled as signed originals with the notary's certificate. Vital records and court documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses, court judgments) require certified copies from the issuing agency before the Nevada Secretary of State will apostille them.

Note: The apostille certificate itself is issued exclusively by the Nevada Secretary of State. Lake Mead Mobile Notary coordinates document notarization (when required), obtains certified copies from issuing agencies, and provides courier coordination to submit documents for apostille authentication.

📋 Documents Apostilled as Notarized Originals:

1. Powers of attorney: General, durable, limited, medical—notarize the signed original, then apostille authenticates the Nevada notary's certificate and seal
2. Affidavits and sworn statements: Affidavits of support, financial affidavits, name affidavits—notary witnesses signature under oath, apostille authenticates the notarization
3. Consent and authorization forms: Minor travel consent, parental consent, employment authorization—notarized signatures apostilled as originals
4. Corporate documents: Resolutions, bylaws, corporate certificates signed by officers—notarized then apostilled as originals
5. Educational documents (if notarized): Some institutions notarize transcripts or diplomas—these are apostilled as notarized originals

🏛️ Documents Requiring Certified Copy Before Apostille:

1. Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): Must obtain certified copy from Nevada Office of Vital Records or issuing county. Nevada SOS apostilles the vital records office certification, not the original certificate
2. Court documents and judgments: Divorce decrees, adoption orders, name change orders, court judgments—must obtain certified copy from the court clerk. Nevada SOS apostilles the clerk's certification
3. County recorded documents: Deeds, mortgages, liens recorded with county recorder—must obtain certified copy from recorder's office before apostille
4. Business formation documents: Articles of incorporation, LLC operating agreements filed with Nevada SOS—must request certified copy from SOS business division, then authentication division apostilles the certification

⚠️ Real-World Example - Power of Attorney for International Use:

• You sign a durable power of attorney for property matters in Spain
• Mobile notary notarizes your signature in Las Vegas with Nevada notarial certificate
• Document submitted to Nevada Secretary of State as notarized original
• Nevada SOS apostille authenticates the notary's commission and seal
• Result: Apostilled POA recognized in Spain under Hague Convention

Different scenario - Birth certificate for Italian citizenship:

• You need your Nevada birth certificate for Italian dual citizenship application
• Original birth certificate from hospital CANNOT be apostilled directly
• Must request certified copy from Nevada Office of Vital Records ($20 per copy)
• Vital Records issues certified copy with registrar's signature and seal
• Nevada SOS apostille authenticates the registrar's signature on certified copy
• Result: Apostilled certified birth certificate recognized by Italian consulate

🌍 Non-Hague Convention Countries: If your destination country is NOT part of the Hague Convention (e.g., United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, several Caribbean nations), the apostille process doesn't apply. You'll need federal authentication through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., followed by legalization from the destination country's embassy or consulate. We coordinate the initial Nevada Secretary of State authentication as the first step in this chain.

💡 Why Professional Document Coordination Matters: The most common apostille rejection is submitting the wrong document type. Examples: (1) Submitting hospital-issued birth certificate instead of state-certified copy (rejected), (2) Attempting to apostille a photocopy instead of original notarized document (rejected), (3) Submitting Nevada documents to wrong state's Secretary of State (rejected). Our apostille coordination service reviews your specific documents and destination country requirements before submission to ensure proper authentication pathway.

🏢 Service Areas for Document Coordination: We provide mobile notarization and apostille document coordination throughout Spring Valley residential areas, Green Valley Ranch communities, and Aliante neighborhoods. We coordinate certified copy requests from Nevada state agencies and county offices as part of our comprehensive apostille preparation services.

Related Questions

• How Much Does an Apostille Cost in Nevada
• How Long Does Nevada Secretary of State Apostille Processing Take
• What Documents Require Nevada Apostille Authentication for International Use

Lake Mead Mobile Notary serves as an authorized representative to complete Form I-9 Section 2 employment verification for international students working on campus in Enterprise. We examine your original identity and work authorization documents, verify their authenticity per USCIS guidelines, and complete the employer's verification requirements on your behalf.

Important: I-9 verification is NOT a notarial act—it is an authorized representative service separate from notarization. The I-9 form should not be notarized unless specifically requested by the employer (which is rare). This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of I-9 processing.

📋 Complete I-9 Verification Process for International Students:

1. Student completes Section 1: Fill out employee information section on or before your first day of work, including name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and citizenship/immigration status
2. Gather acceptable documents: Provide original documents from List A (e.g., unexpired foreign passport with valid I-20 and employment authorization) OR combination of List B (identity) + List C (work authorization)
3. Schedule authorized representative appointment: We meet you at your residence, campus, or convenient Enterprise location within 3 business days of your employment start date (federal requirement)
4. Representative completes Section 2: We physically examine your original documents, record document information, attest to their authenticity, and sign Section 2 with our business information

⚠️ Real-World Example - F-1 Student On-Campus Work Authorization:

• Student hired for on-campus library position starting Monday, September 15
• Student completes I-9 Section 1 on September 15 (first day)
• Student presents: Valid passport (List A identity), I-20 showing on-campus work authorization (List A work auth), Social Security card (List C backup)
• We meet student Tuesday, September 16 at Enterprise apartment (within 3-day deadline)
• Result: Compliant I-9 completed, student can continue working

Different scenario - Incomplete documentation:

• Student presents expired passport
• I-20 doesn't show work authorization endorsement from DSO
• Result: Cannot complete I-9, student must obtain proper documents from international student office before employment can continue

💡 Why Authorized Representative Service Matters: Many international students are unfamiliar with I-9 requirements and risk employment termination due to incomplete or late verification. Common errors include: (1) Confusing I-9 verification with notarization, (2) Missing the 3-business-day deadline, (3) Presenting photocopies instead of original documents, (4) Using expired documents. Our I-9 verification service ensures USCIS-compliant completion to protect both student employment and employer compliance.

🏢 Service Areas for I-9 Verification: We provide mobile I-9 authorized representative services throughout Enterprise student housing, Summerlin West apartment complexes, and Downtown Las Vegas near UNLV campus. Available Monday-Saturday with same-day and next-day appointments to meet federal 3-day deadlines.

Note: If you need related notarization services (e.g., affidavits for visa applications, consent forms), those are separate notarial acts—see our Notary with Witnesses service.

Related Questions

• What Documents Are Acceptable for I-9 Verification?
• What Is the I-9 Verification Deadline?
• What's the Difference Between I-9 Verification and Notarization?