What is an apostille and why would I need one in Indiana?

An apostille is a certificate from the Indiana Secretary of State that makes your documents valid for international use, often required for birth certificates, marriage records, or powers of attorney.

Can I get an Indiana apostille the same day?

Yes — I hand-deliver documents in Indianapolis and provide same-day apostille service, saving you weeks of waiting by mail.

Which documents can be apostilled in Indiana?

Birth, marriage, and death certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, school records, adoption papers, and business documents can all be apostilled.

Can my document be in Spanish or another language?

Yes, the document can be in any language, but the notarial certificate must be in English under Indiana law.

Do I need to notarize my document before getting an apostille?

Some official records don’t need notarization, but others like a power of attorney or diploma must be notarized first by an Indiana notary.

How much does it cost to get an apostille in Indiana?

The Indiana Secretary of State charges $2 per apostille, plus my service fee for notarization (if needed), same-day delivery, and return.

How long does it take to get an apostille in Indiana?

By mail it can take 2–3 weeks, but with my service, you can have your apostille completed the same day.

Can you help if I live outside Indiana but need an Indiana apostille?

Yes — you can ship documents to me, and I’ll hand-deliver them for apostille and return them securely with priority shipping.

What’s the difference between an Indiana apostille and a federal apostille?

Indiana apostilles are for state-issued or Indiana-notarized documents, while federal apostilles come from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents like FBI background checks.

Can I apostille a copy of my document, or does it have to be the original?

Vital records and court documents must be certified originals, but some other documents may use a notarized copy certification.

Do I need a translation for my apostilled document?

The Indiana Secretary of State will apostille the document as-is, but some countries may also require a certified translation.

How do I get an Indiana birth certificate apostilled?

Request a certified copy from the Indiana Department of Health or your county health department, then I can take it for same-day apostille.

Can a Power of Attorney (POA) be apostilled in Indiana?

Yes — as long as it’s notarized correctly by an Indiana notary with an English notarial certificate, it can be apostilled the same day.

Do I Have to Travel Out of State for Fingerprinting in Indiana?

Sep 17

Written By Kerrie Smith

If you’ve been told you need fingerprinting for a job, license, or background check, you may have also heard something frustrating:

“You’ll need to go out of state to get it done.”

At that point, most people are thinking…
There has to be an easier way.

The good news is—there is.

Why Are People Being Told to Travel Out of State?

Some national fingerprinting providers only offer digital (live scan) fingerprinting in certain locations.

In some cases, those locations are not available in Indiana, or appointments are limited.

That’s when people are told to travel to another state just to complete a basic requirement.

But here’s what many people don’t realize…

👉 Not all fingerprinting has to be done digitally.

What Is Ink Fingerprinting and Why Does It Matter?

Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method where fingerprints are rolled onto a fingerprint card, typically the FD-258.

This method is still widely accepted for:

• FBI background checks
• Nursing and healthcare licensing
• Out-of-state employment requirements
• Adoption and immigration paperwork
• Security and professional certifications

In many cases, ink fingerprinting is exactly what is required, especially when documents are being mailed in.

Do You Really Need to Leave Indiana?

No.

If your agency accepts ink fingerprint cards, you can have your fingerprints completed right here in Indiana and submit them as required.

That means:

✔ No long drives
✔ No waiting weeks for limited appointments
✔ No confusion about where to go

You simply get your fingerprints done correctly and send them where they need to go.

What Is an FD-258 Fingerprint Card?

The FD-258 is the standard fingerprint card used for many background checks and licensing requirements.

It includes:

• Your personal information
• Rolled fingerprints
• Signature and processing details

Having this completed properly is important. Poor quality prints can lead to rejection and delays.

Who Typically Needs Ink Fingerprinting?

You may need ink fingerprinting if you are:

• Applying for a nursing or healthcare license
• Completing a background check for a new job
• Working with an out-of-state licensing board
• Involved in adoption or immigration paperwork
• Applying for certain certifications or clearances

If you’ve been given instructions mentioning fingerprint cards or mailing prints, ink fingerprinting is likely what you need.

Can Businesses Schedule Group Fingerprinting?

Yes, and this is one of the most overlooked options.

Organizations such as:

• Home health agencies
• Daycares
• Schools
• Staffing companies
• Security companies

often need fingerprinting for multiple employees.

Instead of sending staff all over the place, group fingerprinting can be scheduled on-site, saving time and keeping operations running smoothly.ps: Don’t Let Deadlines Slip

Whether it’s for a new job, international adoption, or immigration paperwork—fingerprints aren’t something you can afford to get wrong.

What to Look for in a Fingerprinting Service

Not all fingerprinting is done the same.

You want someone who:

• Uses proper rolling technique
• Ensures clean, readable prints
• Provides FD-258 cards if needed
• Helps you understand where to send your documents

Because if your fingerprints are rejected…
you’re starting over.

Ink Fingerprinting in Indianapolis (No Need to Travel)

If you’ve been told to go out of state for fingerprinting, there’s a better option.

Signature Move Notary Services provides professional ink fingerprinting services in Indianapolis for individuals and businesses.

✔ FD-258 fingerprint cards provided
✔ Appointments available for individuals
✔ Mobile group fingerprinting available
✔ Clean, professional prints to reduce rejection

You don’t have to leave Indiana to get this done.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re unsure what type of fingerprinting you need, that’s okay.

Most people aren’t sure at first.

Reach out, and I’ll walk you through exactly what’s required so you can get it done correctly the first time.

Signature Move Notary Services
Indianapolis Notary You Can Trust

📲 Call/Text: (317)438-3183
💻 Book online: Schedule Fingerprinting
🚗 Mobile service across Indianapolis + surrounding counties

Fast, professional, FBI-compliant ink fingerprinting—done right the first time.

#inkfingerprinting #fbibackgroundcheckindianapolis #fbibackgroundfingerprinting #inkfingerprintingnearme#fd258printcards

Kerrie Smith