When you need the assistance of a courier to help with apostilles are you simply looking for a "runner"? Or are you seeking a person who has been vetted and who has the experience to know if your documents are correctly prepared, something I call a "document review specialist? 

Using a Courier for Apostille Filing: Runner vs. Document-Review Specialist

Some couriers simply transport your documents.  Others review them first to be sure they will be accepted. The difference can be a one trip Filing versus a multi week delay.

When submitting documents for apostille certification at a Secretary of State office, not all couriers provide the same level of service. Understanding the difference can prevent costly delays, rejected filings, and frustrated clients.

There are two very different types of apostille couriers:

The Apostille  “Document Runner” Courier

A document runner acts primarily as a transportation service.

What They Do:

• Pick up your documents

• Deliver them to the Secretary of State

• Pay filing fees

• Retrieve completed apostilles

• Return documents to you

What They Do Not Do

• Review documents for accuracy

• Verify notarization format

• Check for missing certificates

• Confirm state-specific apostille requirements

• Identify obvious rejection issues

They are essentially a same-day messenger service.

When This Works:

• You are experienced with apostille requirements

• The documents were prepared by a knowledgeable professional

• You are confident everything is correct

The Risk:

If the Competent Authority rejects the documents, the runner simply returns them to you. You may:

Lose filing fees

• Miss deadlines

• Pay for multiple courier trips

• Delay international transactions

Contrast that with this level of service:

The Apostille Document Review Specialist

A specialized apostille courier acts more like a pre-screening compliance professional.

Before filing, they review the documents to confirm they meet state requirements.

What They Typically Check:

• Proper notarization wording

• Correct venue (State & County listed)

• Notary commission validity

• Presence of required certificates

• Loose vs. stapled certificates

• Original signatures (not copies)

• Correct document type for apostille vs. authentication

What This Prevents:

• Rejection for improper notarization

• Missing acknowledgments

• Incorrect jurat wording

• Expired notary commissions

• Submitting photocopies instead of originals

Why This Matters:

The Competent Authorities typically do not correct errors. They reject non-compliant documents.

A Document Review Specialist Courier helps ensure:

• First-time acceptance

• Faster turnaround

• Lower overall cost

• Reduced stress for the client

The Real Cost Difference

A runner may charge less upfront.

A review courier may charge more, but often saves money by avoiding:

• Repeat courier fees

• Lost filing fees

• International shipping delays

• Contract penalties

Remember … In apostille work, accuracy is often more valuable than speed. 

If you’re ready to get certified and join a network of trained, committed, and vetted apostille agents and couriers, join my program, The World of Apostilles done in collaboration with Notary Coach at www.NotaryCoach.com/apostille