Do apostilled documents expire?

How long an apostille “stays good” 📅

Under the Hague Convention framework, apostilles do not come with a built‑in expiration date; once Nevada issues the certificate, it continues to confirm that the original Nevada signature or notarial act was valid on that date.

• For many uses, a Nevada apostille issued years ago still technically proves that the notary, registrar, or clerk’s signature was authentic at the time it was issued.
• However, foreign embassies, universities, and licensing boards often require “recent” documents and will specify maximum ages such as “issued within the last 90 days” or “within 6 months.”

When you may need a new apostille 🔁

Even though Nevada’s apostille certificate does not expire on its own, you might be asked to obtain a newer document and a new apostille if your case falls into certain time‑sensitive categories.

• Visa, immigration, and residency filings where consulates often require vital records and police clearances issued within a defined number of days.
• University admission, licensing, and employment where transcripts, diplomas, or background checks must be recent or reflect current status.
• Situations where the foreign authority has updated its rules since the original apostille was issued and now requires a different format or newer certification.

Best practices before reusing an old apostille ✅

Before sending an older apostille overseas, it is worth confirming that it will still be accepted so you are not surprised by last‑minute rejections or extra travel.

• Ask the consulate, school, or agency exactly how recent the document and apostille must be for your specific application.
• Verify whether you need a new certified copy (for vital records or court orders) or updated notarization (for powers of attorney and affidavits) before requesting a new apostille.
• Plan ahead if you are reusing documents for a different country, because each destination can have its own age rules even under the same Hague framework.

How Lake Mead Mobile Notary can help

Lake Mead Mobile Notary helps clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City decide whether existing apostilled documents are likely to be accepted or whether it is safer to start over with new records.

• Reviewing your current apostille, the age of the underlying document, and the written requirements from the foreign authority.
• Coordinating mobile notarization, Nevada certified copies, and fresh apostille submission when a new packet is the better option for your deadline.

Related Questions

• How much does an apostille cost in Nevada?
• How fast can I get an apostille in Las Vegas?
• Which documents need an apostille vs a certified copy in Nevada?

What Shipping Options Do You Offer for Apostille Documents?

Standard Shipping Included for Most Apostille Orders

For routine domestic matters without urgent deadlines, standard tracked shipping is usually the most economical and sufficient choice. This keeps costs predictable while still giving you visibility into where the envelope is in transit.

Choosing the Right Shipping Speed for Your Apostille

The best option depends on how quickly the apostilled documents must reach their destination and what happens if they arrive late. Lake Mead Mobile Notary will ask where the documents are going, who will receive them, and what deadlines apply before recommending a shipping tier.

• Standard tracked shipping: Ideal when there is no fixed external deadline and you simply need reliable delivery.
• 2‑day or next‑day services: Recommended for closings, consulate appointments, or enrollment dates that are already on the calendar.
• International courier: Best when sending apostilles directly to foreign universities, banks, law firms, or consulates that require timely, traceable delivery.

Where Apostilled Documents Can Be Delivered

Apostilled documents do not have to come back to your home address. In many cases, it is more efficient to send them directly to the office that will use them.

• Your residence or workplace: For personal records, family matters, or when you prefer to handle delivery to the next party yourself.
• Attorneys, title companies, or advisors: So professionals can immediately confirm that the apostille meets their requirements.
• Schools, licensing boards, and consulates: When institutions prefer to receive official documents directly from a coordinator.