For documents destined for use in other countries, an apostille for documents or a certificate of authentication must be placed on the document. The apostille or certificate certifies that the signature and seal on the document are genuine. The apostille also authenticates the position of the official who signed the document and that the official’s authority is legitimate.

Depending on the destination country, additional steps may be necessary. For example, for documents going to a country that is not part of The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (1961), a gold seal certification must be attached to the apostille or certificate of authentication. This certification must be issued by the Secretary of State of the country in which the document was signed.

Apostille for Documents: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

If you are preparing your company for global expansion, it is important to understand the differences between apostilles and authentications. Making the wrong choice could result in rejection of a document by the recipient nation, delaying the launch of your international business venture.

The NDNY only authenticates New York state-issued documents that are signed by a public official or county clerk. This includes birth, death and marriage certificates as well as divorce decrees. It does not authenticate private documents, such as those prepared by lawyers or notaries public. However, if the document is certified by a notary and is destined for a country that is part of The Hague Convention, the notary’s seal and signature must be affixed to the copy being authenticated by an apostille or certificate of authentication.