How to Notarize a Apostille & Authentication
Documents authenticated for international use under the Hague Convention.
Overview
An apostille is a certificate issued by a state's Secretary of State that authenticates a notarized document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your notarized document needs to be used internationally — for business, legal proceedings, education, or immigration — it likely needs an apostille. The process requires first getting the document notarized, then submitting it to the appropriate state authority for apostille certification.
When You Need This Notarized
- Using a U.S. document in a foreign country (Hague Convention member)
- International adoption proceedings
- Studying abroad — transcripts and diplomas
- International business contracts and agreements
- Foreign real estate purchases
- Immigration to another country
What to Bring
- The notarized document
- State apostille application form
- Payment for apostille fee (varies by state)
- Return shipping materials if mailing
Step-by-Step Process
Get your document notarized by a notary commissioned in the state where you'll request the apostille
Obtain the apostille application from the Secretary of State
Submit the notarized document, application, and fee
The Secretary of State verifies the notary's commission and issues the apostille
The apostilled document can now be used in Hague Convention countries
Important Notes
- The notary must be commissioned in the same state where you request the apostille
- Apostilles are only valid for Hague Convention member countries — other countries require embassy legalization
- Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on the state
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, etc.) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not a state office
- Some documents may need certified translation after apostille
Cost
Apostille fees vary by state, typically $5-$25 per document. Notarization fees are separate. Expedited processing may cost more.
View fee caps by stateFrequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a notarized document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 countries).
Do I need to get the document notarized before getting an apostille?
Yes. The document must be notarized first, then submitted to the state's Secretary of State for apostille certification.
How long does it take to get an apostille?
Processing times vary by state. Some states offer same-day or next-day service in person, while mail-in requests can take 1-4 weeks.
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