Submission Information

Apostille/Authentication requests can be mailed to our office or delivered in person at a Client Service Center.  Mailed documents are processed within two to three business days.  In person requests do not require an appointment and are authenticated while you wait.

This office can only issue an apostille or certification if there is an actual or facsimile signature of the elected or public official acting in his or her official capacity. Before submitting an apostille/certification request to this office, please ensure the elected or public official's signature appears on the document to be authenticated. 

When requesting certified documents from a court to be authenticated by this office, please inform the court that the documents are for an apostille/certification and that the elected or public official's signature is required. A document bearing the signature of a deputy clerk alone cannot be properly authenticated.

In order to process your request, a cover letter issued by this office must accompany your request.  The destination country must be named on the cover letter.  For the cover letter to use with your request, click here.

Note:  Apostilles  will not be issued for documents intended for use within the United States.

Requests can be mailed or brought to the following addresses:
Ohio Secretary of State
Client Service Center
180 E. Broad St. , Suite 103
Columbus, OH 43215

For directions to the Secretary of State’s Client Service Center, please visit the directions page.