An “Apostille” is a form of authentication issued for documents that will be used in countries that
participated in the Hague Convention of 1961 and ratified “Article 12, Abolishing the
Reguirement of Legalization fopr Foreign Public Documents”. Any Apostilled document is
automatically regarded as legal for use without and further requirements.
The Office of the Secretary of State provides Apostille serice to U.S. citizens and foreign
nationals for documents that will be used overseas. Types of documents which can be
authenticated include corporate documents such as company bylaws and articles of
incorporation; power of attorney; diplomas;transcripts;references and job certifications;
homestudies;deeds of assign,emts’distributorship agreements’and papers for adoption
purposes.
To obtain an Apostille:
The following items must be provided in order to obtain an Apostille.
1. The original document, properly notarized
The Notary Public must list the following
- Name exactly as listed on this/her Notary Commission paper.
- Printed or typed name under signature
- Expiration date of Notary commission
- County of residence
- Date Notary is signing document to prove notary is active on date signed.
- Notary Public Seal
2. The necessary information for processing which must include
- An original signature
- An original signature and sel stamp of a Notary Public
- Cover letter, which must include the following
 | The name of the country where te documents will be sent | |
| Your name and daytime telephone number in case they have any questions | |
| List document to be Apostilled with corresponding fee | |
| Information as to where the documents should be mailed after processing |
Please provide a self-addressed. Fedex return label and envelope if, mailed in.
3. The required fee should be paid by check or money order made out to the Secretary of
Before submitting a notorized document for an Apostille or other certification, to ensure prompt
service and avoid rejection, please use the following checklist.
- Are the signitures on the documents original, not stamped or photocopied
- Have all blanks in the document been filled in or crossed out?
- Is the notary’s statement complete, and does it show the state and county where the
notorization took place and the date of the notarization? - Does the notary’s signature match the name on the notary’s seal exactly?
- Is the notary’s commission expiration date clearly written or stamped on the
notarization?
| What is an Apostille? |
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copyright © 2007, Pam Brame all rights reserved
