Apostilles & Authentications

One of the functions of the Secretary of State is to provide authentication of documents for use overseas. Authentications are in the form of either an apostille or a gold seal certificate. If the country to which a document pertains is part of the Hague Convention of 1961 (#12), the document receives an apostille. If the country is not part of this convention, then it receives a gold seal certification. Therefore, our office must know to which country the document pertains in order to authenticate the document properly.

Background Information

In 1961 many nations joined together to create a simplified method of "legalizing" documents for universal recognition. Members of the conference, referred to as the Hague Convention, adopted a document referred to as an apostille that is recognized by all member nations.

Documents sent to member nations, completed with an apostille at the state level, may be submitted directly to the member nation without further action.

Documents sent to non-member nations requiring a certification of the signature of the state`s public official at the state level, then may need to be transmitted to the Authentication Office of the Department of State in Washington D.C. for the authentication of the state official`s signature.

For additional information on U.S. authentications visit the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentication

• Types of Documents
• Common Errors
• Submission Information
• Request a Cover Letter (PDF)

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Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is the fee?
  • Five dollars per authentication/certification.
• What is an apostille?
  • An apostille is a form of certification for documents that are for use in countries in the Hague Convention. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document is serving, and identifies the seal/stamp, which the document bears.

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