When Apostilles Are Urgent — The Importance of Proper Facilitation

When Time Is Limited, Experience Matters

The North Carolina Secretary of State currently processes apostilles within an estimated 10–15 business day timeframe. At TLH Notary, Document Translation & Apostille Services, this timeline is clearly communicated upfront so clients can plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary stress. However, not every apostille request fits neatly into a standard timeline.

Recently, we were contacted by a client who was preparing to leave the country within just a few days and had only then learned that six separate documents required apostilles. Understandably, the situation felt urgent — but urgency alone does not automatically qualify a request for special handling. This is where professional apostille facilitation becomes critical.

Assessing Whether a Request Is Truly an Emergency

Before proceeding, we took the time to carefully assess the situation. Responsible facilitation means asking the right questions, not simply rushing documents through the process.

We evaluated:

• Whether the documents were absolutely required before international departure or could be mailed to the client abroad

• The purpose and destination country of each document

• Whether the request met the criteria for appropriate escalation

  
  

In many cases, clients assume documents must be completed before travel, when in reality they can be shipped securely once completed. Clarifying this alone can save time, money, and unnecessary pressure.

Advocacy Within Proper Channels

In situations where documents are legitimately required prior to departure, having an experienced facilitator matters. Our role is not to bypass rules, but to advocate responsibly by clearly communicating the urgency, purpose, and documentation details through the appropriate channels.

At TLH Notary, we strictly adhere to all rules and procedures set forth by the North Carolina Secretary of State. When circumstances warrant it, we take the proper steps to communicate time-sensitive needs — understanding that outcomes are never guaranteed.

What we can guarantee is that every effort is made professionally, ethically, and in compliance with state regulations.

The Value of Experienced Apostille Facilitation

This experience highlights the difference between simply submitting paperwork and providing true apostille facilitation. Knowledge of procedures, the ability to assess urgency accurately, and professional advocacy can make all the difference in stressful situations.

If you believe your apostille request may be time-sensitive, consultation is key. The earlier we can assess the situation, the better positioned we are to guide you toward the best possible outcome.

TLH Notary, Document Translation & Apostille Services proudly serves Raleigh and clients throughout North Carolina with integrity, experience, and professionalism — even when time is limited.