An apostille is a type of certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961). It confirms that a document—such as a birth certificate, power of attorney, or notarized affidavit—is genuine and has been issued by a recognized authority in its country of origin.
The apostille itself is a separate page or stamp attached to the original document by a designated government office, such as the Secretary of State. It does not validate the content of the document, only the authenticity of the signature, seal, and capacity of the official who signed it.
Apostilles are often needed for international legal, business, or personal matters, such as studying abroad, marriage overseas, foreign adoptions, or doing business in another country.
Apostille
1. Identify the Destination Country
Confirm that the country where the document will be used is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If it is not, you may need authentication and consular legalization instead of an apostille.
2. Determine Document Eligibility
Only certain types of documents qualify for an apostille, such as:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Notarized documents (affidavits, powers of attorney)
- Court and school records
- Government-issued documents
3. Have the Document Notarized (if required)
If the document is not already issued by a government agency, it may need to be notarized by a commissioned notary public before proceeding. Check with the issuing authority or apostille office for requirements.
4. Submit the Document to the Competent Authority
Send or deliver the document to the appropriate authority in your state or country. In the U.S., this is typically the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was issued or notarized.
5. Pay the Required Fees
A processing fee is usually required. Costs vary by state or country and depend on whether the request is standard or expedited.
6. Wait for Processing
Standard processing may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the office and whether you submitted it by mail or in person. Expedited options are often available.
7. Receive the Apostille
Once processed, you’ll receive your document with the apostille attached (either as a stamped page or an affixed certificate), making it legally acceptable in the destination country.