If you’re applying for the Reinstatement of Lithuanian Citizenship, one of the most important steps is ensuring your supporting documents are properly apostilled. Depending on the type of document, the apostille process can vary significantly.
Understanding which category your documents fall into can help you avoid delays and ensure your application meets the requirements of your attorney and the Lithuanian Migration Department.
Notarized Document Apostilles
Some documents must first be notarized before they can receive an apostille. The most common example is the Application for Reinstatement of Lithuanian Citizenship. The good news is that this process is simple and can be completed entirely online through Remote Online Notarization (RON).
What to Expect:
- Sign your application during a secure video call with a commissioned notary.
- The appointment typically takes less than 15 minutes.
- All you need is:
- A reliable internet connection
- A government-issued photo ID
- You can even complete the notarization using your smartphone.
Depending on your case, your attorney in Lithuania may also ask you to apostille an Affidavit using this same process.
True Copy Apostilles for Passports and Foreign Documents
Certain documents do not require you to send the originals. Instead, a notarized True Copy can be used for the apostille process.
The most common example is your passport.
How It Works:
- Provide high-quality digital scans of your passport.
- Your original passport remains safely in your possession.
- A notarized True Copy is prepared and then apostilled.
This process is also commonly used for documents issued outside the United States. Your attorney in Lithuania may request True Copy Apostilles for documents such as:
- Lithuanian birth certificates
- Lithuanian military records
- Other foreign-issued civil documents
Because these original foreign documents often cannot receive a U.S. apostille directly, a notarized True Copy provides an efficient solution.
Original or Certified Copy Apostilles for Government-Issued Documents
Documents issued by government agencies generally require either the original document or an official certified copy before an apostille can be issued.
These documents fall into two primary categories.
Federal Documents
Examples include:
- Immigration records
- Naturalization records
- Other federal agency documents
Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State.
In most cases:
- Original federal documents are not accepted for apostille.
- You must obtain a Certified Copy from the issuing federal agency.
Common issuing agencies include:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
USCIS refers to the required version as a Certified True Copy.
It is important to note that copies obtained from private archival services, such as Ancestry.com, are not acceptable for apostille because they are not official government-issued certified copies.
State Documents
State-issued vital records commonly include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
These documents must be obtained from the state where the life event occurred.
Since apostilles are issued by the state where the document originated, processing times, fees, and document requirements vary from state to state. Request a quote for your project.
Why Work with Express Apostille Services?
Knowing which apostille process applies to each document is essential for avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Express Apostille Services specializes in apostilles for Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement cases. We understand the document requirements requested by Lithuanian attorneys and can help you determine the correct apostille process for every document in your application.
Whether you need:
- Notarized Documents: Application for Reinstatement of Citizenship and, in some cases, affidavits.
- True Copy Apostilles: Passports and many foreign-issued documents, allowing you to keep your originals.
- Original or Certified Copy Apostilles: Federal immigration records and state-issued vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.
Our experienced team is ready to help.
Ready to Get Started?
Let Express Apostille Services simplify your Lithuanian citizenship journey. Contact our apostille specialists today to ensure your documents are prepared correctly the first time, helping your application move forward as quickly and smoothly as possible.
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