Many countries require documents to be authenticated before they can be used in that country. Authenticating a document verifies that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is genuine and has been issued by the authority named on the document. This process is commonly referred to as legalization. This article explains the different types of authentication and how to determine which method is required for your document.

An apostille of national documents is an international certificate that simplifies the procedure through which public documents (including notarized) can be certified for use in other contracting countries. It is based on the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

Apostille of National Documents: What You Need to Know

Apostilles are only issued to documents that were signed in a state that is party to the convention. Apostilles can be affixed to the document itself or to a separate page called an allonge. In either case, the apostille must clearly show the capacity of the official who signed the document, the date of the signature and the state where it was signed.

Both Apostilles and Certificates of Authentication verify signatures, stamps or seals on important documents such as contracts, certificates of birth or marriage, court orders, school diplomas and more. However, the type of document you are trying to use abroad and the country where the document will be used will dictate whether you need an apostille or a Certificate of Authentication.

You can order your Apostille or Certificate of Authentication by mail, at our Walk-In Service counter or in person by prescheduled appointment. To expedite the processing of your document, be sure to include your document(s), completed apostille/certificate request form and a copy of your government-issued photo ID when mailing or dropping off your documents.