In this article we are going to talk about how to get Apostille from The Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is a high-level government official in charge of a country’s foreign affairs. The Office of the Secretary of State provides apostille and authentication service to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals on documents that will be used overseas. To request an apostille, you will need to contact the state that issued the legal document that you are looking to certify for international use.
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How to get an apostille from the Secretary of State?
The process for obtaining an apostille from the Secretary of State’s office varies depending on the specific state or jurisdiction, but here is a general outline of the steps:
- Determine if the document requires an apostille: Not all documents require an apostille. An apostille is typically required for legal documents that will be used in a foreign country. If you’re not sure if your document requires an apostille, it’s best to check with the relevant authority in the foreign country where the document will be used.
- Obtain the required original or certified copy of the document: The Secretary of State will only apostille original documents or certified copies. You may need to obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority or government agency before you can get an apostille from the Secretary of State.
- Complete the required application or request form: Most Secretary of State offices have an application or request form that you’ll need to complete to get your document apostilled. The form may be available on the Secretary of State’s website or you may need to request a copy from the office.
- Pay the required fee: The fee for an apostille typically varies by state or jurisdiction and the type of document. Make sure to check the fee schedule before you submit your request.
- Submit the completed form and fee: Submit the completed form, along with the required fee, to the Secretary of State’s office. Some states may require you to submit the request by mail or in person, while others may allow you to submit the request online.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for an apostille can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction and the volume of requests. Some states may offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Receive the apostilled document: Once your document has been processed, the Secretary of State will attach the apostille to the original document or certified copy. You can then use the apostilled document in the foreign country.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and process for getting an apostille from the Secretary of State can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction. Before you begin the process, it’s best to check the specific requirements and procedures for your state or jurisdiction.
What kind of documents should be apostilled by the Secretary of State?
The types of documents that can be apostilled by the Secretary of State vary depending on the specific state or jurisdiction. However, common examples of documents that may require an apostille include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Adoption papers
- School diplomas and transcripts
- Criminal background checks
- Power of attorney documents
- Business and corporate documents, such as articles of incorporation
- Notarized documents, such as Affidavits, Deeds, and Contracts
To check the apostille requirements, visit the website of competent authority in the state where the document was executed.
A state-issued document with an apostille does not require additional certification by the U.S. Department of State or legalization by a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas to be recognized in a participating country. The U.S. Department of State will not issue an apostille for state-issued documents.
State-issued documents for use in countries that are not members of the 1961 Hague Convention may be authenticated with an authentication certificate from the U.S. Department of State. Please see Authentication Certificate Requirements for more information.
It’s important to note that not all documents require an apostille. If you’re not sure if your document requires an apostille, it’s best to check with the relevant authority in the foreign country where the document will be used.
Are you planning to use your official documents abroad? Make sure to get them authenticated first! Read our article about Document Authentication process, where we delve into the process of consular authentication, what it entails, and why it is essential for international recognition of your documents. Don’t miss out on important information before your next international move. Read now!