Whether you are a business owner dealing with international transactions or an individual preparing for travel abroad, it is important to understand what apostille requirements are necessary for your particular situation. Having the right information can ensure that you submit all of the required documentation in a timely manner and avoid any delays with your document’s acceptance overseas.

The apostille requirements for originals is similar to notarization, but with one main difference. An apostille guarantees that a document signed and notarized in the United States will be valid and recognized in any country that is a member of The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (1961). Not all countries are members of this convention, so it is very important to know where your documents will be used before seeking an apostille.

When can I get an apostille?

An apostille can be issued for any public document that has an original signature. This includes birth, marriage and death certificates, certified copies of documents, notarial certifications and university diplomas. Apostilles can also be attached to civil registrations, power of attorney, certificates of residence and court orders and judgments.

The Department of State requires that all documents to be apostilled be originals. Photocopies of documents or faxed versions of the document will not be accepted. In addition, if the original document is not in English, you will need to provide a certified translation of the document before an apostille can be issued. To expedite the process, we recommend you submit your document(s) to the County Clerk where the original signature is located for authentication prior to submitting it to our office.