When using original documents in a foreign country, it may be necessary to have your paperwork authenticated. This process is called an apostille and can be very time-consuming. Fortunately, our office provides fast, convenient apostille service for original documents.

Apostille Services That Accept and Process Original Documents

We are the only agency in New York State that can provide Apostilles and certifications for original public documents signed by a notary or other selected public officials, including Superior Court Judges, County Clerks, and the State Registrar of Vital Statistics. Apostilles and certificates authenticate the signatures of these public officials to ensure their authenticity. Documents with notarized signatures are often required for international business transactions or to obtain a U.S. visa, but can also be used for legal proceedings. Documents that require Apostille certification include birth, marriage, and death certificates; extracts from commercial registrars and other registers; court rulings; notarial acts; and academic diplomas issued by public institutions.

The New York Secretary of State issues two types of proofs of authentication for use in foreign countries: Apostille and Certificate of Authentication. Apostilles and Certificates of Authentication are one-page documents with a blue laser printed facsimile of the seal of the New York Secretary of State. The seal includes the facsimile signature of the New York Secretary of State or their deputy. Both are accepted in countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Documents that are not part of this convention will require additional certification from the U.S. Department of State before they can be submitted to a foreign country.