Apostille

Below are some of the requirements from  ARKANSAS Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Requirements:

• Documents must be properly notarized by an Arkansas Notary Public or must bear the seal and signature of an Arkansas elected official (County officials, State officials, district officials, Notaries and Registrars of the Arkansas Department of Health; Bureau of Vital Statistics).
• Documents should be originals, certified copies or true copy of original, authenticated by the notary. 

Vital Records: Must be original certificate or a certified copy from the Arkansas Department of Health’s Vital Records office. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an Arkansas notary public, or must bear the seal and signature of an Arkansas elected official. 

Foreign Language Documents: All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

Below are some of the requirements from  CONNECTICUT Secretary of State to Apostille documents or Issue a Certificate of Authentication:

The Connecticut Secretary of State can usually authenticate documents signed by the following agencies: Connecticut Notaries Public, Town Clerks and their duly appointed assistants and deputies; local Registrars of Vital Statistics and their duly appointed assistants and deputies; Clerks, Deputy Clerks, and Assistant Clerks of the Superior Court; Judges of the Superior Court; Judges of the Probate Court; Connecticut Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Public Health; Connecticut Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Vital Records; and Justices of the Peace.

Vital Records: Vital Records such as certificates of birth, death, and marriage can only be certified by Town Clerks, Registrars of Vital Statistics, or the Commissioner of Public Health. It is important to remember that Notaries Public cannot certify copies of documents.

Educational documents: For other documents, such as diplomas and school transcripts, It is recommend to follow this procedure: The person in possession of the document can make a photocopy and prepare a written statement that may be attached to or written on the photocopy, stating that the copy is a true and correct copy of the original. The individual will then verify the statement under oath before a notary public and the notary will indicate by a jurat that he or she has administered an oath to the testator.

Foreign Language Documents: Although the document may be in another language, the notary’s statement must be in English.

Below are some of the requirements from the State of GEORGIA to Apostille documents or Issue a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records:  The birth/death certificate must be an official certified copy issued by the Georgia Department of Community Health or the County Probate Court or Health Department. Marriage certificate/license must be an official certified copy issued by the county Probate Court. These documents are never notarized. If your vital record was issued prior to the year 2000, the GSCCCA recommends you obtain a new certified copy.

Court Documents:  The divorce decree must be an official certified copy issued by the county Clerk of Superior Court and preferably have been issued since the year 2000. These documents are never notarized

Corporate Documents: Corporate documents must be certified copies issued by the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division or they can be certified copies downloaded from Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division website.

Criminal Records:

• GBI record checks that have been signed by a GBI official and that official’s signature was witnessed by a notary are ready for the Apostille.
• Local Police Agencies: An issuing police agency official should sign the results of the record check and that signature must be witnessed by a Georgia notary. If they have done so, your document is ready for the apostille. Police agencies often do not notarize the records check. If this is the case, complete the Criminal Records Check affidavit and sign it in the presence of any Georgia notary public.

Educational documents:

• School transcripts/grades: These must be signed by an issuing official of the school in the presence of a notary public. Only transcripts/grades from Georgia schools can be Apostilled in Georgia. The simplest method is for a school official (principal, guidance counselor, registrar, etc.) to write a simple letter stating that the attached are the official school documents for this student.
• Diplomas: A Georgia notary public may make a certified copy of the original diploma. The notary must state that this is a “true and exact copy of the original” and the Apostille is affixed to the photocopy.

All other documents: (examples: powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.) must be properly notarized in accordance with Georgia laws. Photocopied documents Must properly certified as a copy by a Georgia notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from INDIANA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: Must be original certified copy from the Indian Vital Records. Birth and Death Certificate must have a multi-colored signature stamp on the bottom right corner to be able to get an Apostille on them. Marriage Certificate must be signed by the current clerk of courts in the county of which the event took place.

Court Documents: Marriage & Divorce documents must be Certified copies signed by the current clerk of courts in the county of which the event took place.

Corporate Documents: Must be Notarized or certified copy by the State.

Educational documents: All school documents needs to be notarized by the school the school documents are from or have a copy of the degree notarized as a true and correct photocopy before sending it to us for apostille.

All other documents: Must be current, certified copy or notarized by an Indiana notary. Most documents need to be notarized; however marriage, divorce, and birth certificates must be certified copies.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from the Kentucky Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be issued by the Kentucky Department of Vital Statistics and signed by the current state registrar. Older certified copies may bear signatures that can’t be authenticated, it is recommended to get freshly certified copies.  A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents from the circuit clerk or circuit judge (e.g., divorce decrees): must be signed by a judge and/or circuit clerk, and certified by the county clerk in the county where the circuit court is located. If the county clerk is not available, please confirm with the county clerk’s office that the deputy clerk is authorized to sign for documents going outside the country.  

Educational documents:  (e.g., grade transcripts/diplomas) must be signed by a notary registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the notary’s signature must be certified by the county clerk in the county where the notary took the oath of office. If the county clerk is not available, please confirm with the county clerk’s office that the deputy clerk is authorized to sign for documents going outside the country.  

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must be signed by a notary registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the notary’s signature must be certified by the county clerk in the county where the notary took the oath of office. If the county clerk is not available, please confirm with the county clerk’s office that the deputy clerk is authorized to sign for documents going outside the country.

Documents notarized electronically: the document must be in PDF format and electronically notarized by an authorized Kentucky Online Notary Public.  These documents do not require certification of the notary’s signature by the county clerk.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from the MARYLAND Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must bear the seal and signature from department where the document was issued from. 

Court Documents: certification of status, criminal records , divorce decree etc. must be certified copies bearing the seal and signature of the department where the document was issued from.

Corporate Documents: corporate documents, good-standing certificates etc… must be certified copies issued by the Maryland Secretary of State.

Educational documents: To have any of your school records, transcripts, grades, or diplomas Apostilled you will need to contact the school to get the needed documents. Often they will send them to you in a sealed envelope stating not to open the envelope. You will take the sealed envelope to a notary. The notary will open the envelope and notarize the school record.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Maryland Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from MINNESOTA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be certified copies issued by county official or registrars of the Department of Health

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by Minnesota state official .

Educational documents:  Transcript, Diploma, Substitute Document must be issued from the records or administrative office of the school. The registrar’s signature on the records must be an originals and properly notarized with an acknowledgement and have an original signature by a Minnesota Notary Public. If the student is a senior but will not receive a diploma they must have a substitute document validated and authenticated in addition to the transcript. A certificate of completion can be used in lieu of the diploma.

All other documents: Private documents, including passports, driver’s licenses and diplomas, may be certified by a Minnesota notary, you must provide the original document for the notary to photocopy. A notary cannot certify a photocopy of a document unless the original document is provided to, and copied by, the notary personally.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  MONTANA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Public documents, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can only be certified by someone who works in the office where the original or official copy is kept. You must obtain a certified copy of those documents from the appropriate county Clerk & Recorder’s Office, Clerk of District Court, or Montana Department of Vital Records. 

Corporate Documents: State certification cannot be provided on certified documents more than five years old.

Educational documents:  If you work with the registrar of your school in advance, they may be able to incorporate a notarial certificate into their normal copy certification process and provide you with a notarized original. These notarized originals are always preferable since it is the real document custodian’s signature that is being notarized.  

All other documents Private documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, and diplomas, may be certified by a Montana notary; you must provide the original document for the notary to photocopy. A notary cannot certify a photocopy of a document unless the original document is provided to, and copied by, the notary personally. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from New Hampshire Secretary of State  to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Certified copies of vital records shall be issued to the public only by the state registrar of vital records or a clerk of a town or city in accordance with this chapter.  A vital record may NOT be issued, duplicated, sealed, or notarized by any persons other than the division of vital records or clerks of towns and cities.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies by the court.

Educational documents:  If you work with the registrar of your school in advance, they may be able to incorporate a notarial certificate into their normal copy certification process and provide you with a notarized original. These notarized originals are always preferable since it is the real document custodian’s signature that is being notarized.  

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) Each document must have an original New Hampshire Notary Public or Justice of the Peace signature witnessing the signature of the author of the document.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from North Carolina SECRETARY OF STATE to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: must be original certified copy from the North Carolina Vital Records Office. Contact Vital Records to obtain marriage, birth or death certificates.

Court Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by the Clerk of Superior Courts

Corporate Documents: To obtain certified copies of corporate documents filed with the State of North Carolina Contact the Revisor of Statutes.

Educational documents: Documents (transcripts, report cards, diplomas, etc.) issued by a North Carolina university, college, community college or high school must be notarized by a North Carolina Notary Public. A school seal applied to the document by the school registrar is not acceptable.

All other documents: (such as a power of attorney, affidavits, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a North Carolina Commissioned notary public.
Documents from the following entities will not need to be notarized:.
Register of Deeds
Clerk of Superior Courts
NC Department of Agriculture
NC Department of Health and Human Services
NC Vital Records
NC Department of Motor Vehicles (Raleigh, NC office ONLY)
NC Attorney General’s Office
NC Legislative Services

Requesting an apostille using a “copy” of a document will require a notarized Affidavit saying that the document is a “true copy” of the original. A “true copy”

Foreign Language Documents: All documents must be in English. If not in English. Must get a certified translation of the document into English.

Below are some of the requirements from NEW YORK Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be original certified copy from the New York Vital Records Office. Vital Records must first be certified by either a New York State Official or a County Clerk. Vital records issued by New York City Department of Health will also require a Letter of Exemplification.

Court Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by the court.

Educational documents: Educational documents submitted to the New York Department of State for an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication must first be certified by an official at the educational institution attesting that the document is an official record or a true copy of the original document. The official’s signature then must be notarized by a notary public. The notary public’s signature must then be certified by the County Clerk in the county where the notary public is qualified to certify.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized. An Affidavit may be used for this purpose. The notary’s signature must then be certified at the County Clerk’s office where the notary is qualified.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from Oregon Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth/Death, Marriage and dissolution of marriage certificates, must be a certified copy bearing the signature of the Oregon State Registrar obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Portland or Vital record from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. A certified copy of a county record is not acceptable for Apostille. Only the Oregon Center for Health Statistics can issue a valid, current vital record.

Court Documents: Documents signed by a circuit clerk or circuit judge (for example, divorce decrees, legal name change) must include the official’s signature, printed name and title.

Corporate Documents: Apostille can be obtained on Certified copies of business organization documents on file with the Oregon Secretary of State such as:

• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Certificates of limited partnership
• Certificates of merger
• Assumed name certificates
• Registration of trademarks
• Certificates of existence or fact issued by the Corporation Division.

Organizational documents (bylaws, meeting minutes that are not on file with the Corporation Division must be notarized before an apostille or authentication can be attached).

Educational documents:  School transcripts, report cards or diplomas must be signed by a school official and the official’s signature must be notarized. 

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an Oregon Commissioned notary public.

Law enforcement background check from the Oregon State Police or local sheriff or police department must be signed by an official from that office and that official signature must be notarized. The Secretary of State cannot authenticate a records check obtained online

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from SOUTH CAROLINA Secretary of state to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Photocopies of vital records are not acceptable. All vital records must be certified by the issuing government agency.

• Certified copies of Marriage Licenses may be obtained from the county Probate Court or from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)’s Vital Records Division.
• Certified copies of Divorce Decrees may be obtained from the County Clerk of Court’s Office or from DHEC’s Vital Records Division.
• A Death or Birth Certificate can only be provided by DHEC’s Vital Records Division.

Court Documents: Record checks from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), local sheriffs or police departments MUST be signed by an official from that office and his/her signature MUST be notarized. Records check obtained from the Internet can not be Apostilled.

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified by the SOUTH CAROLINA Secretary of State.

Educational documents:  Diploma, School transcripts, report cards or letters MUST be signed by a school official and the official’s signature MUST be notarized.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a SOUTH CAROLINA Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: All documents in a foreign language must be signed, notarized, and accompanied by an English translation signed by the translator with the translator’s signature notarized. When a foreign language translation of an English document requires an Apostille or authentication, the foreign translation must be signed by the translator and notarized.

Below are some of the requirements from TEXAS Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be original certified copy from the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics or state registrar’s Office. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record. Must have been issued within the last 5yrs.

Court Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by the court .

Corporate Documents: Must obtain Certified copies of business organization documents on file with the Secretary of State, including articles of incorporation, certificates of limited partnership, articles of organization, certificates of merger, assumed name certificates, and applications for registration of trademarks. Additionally, certificates of existence or fact issued by the Secretary of State evidencing facts from the records of the office.

Educational documents: Must be notarized by either the school registrar or a Texas notary public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavits, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Texas Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from the Commonwealth of Virginia to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

The Secretary of the Commonwealth will only authenticate  NOTARIZED WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.  

Vital Records: Vital Records (birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate) cannot be notarized and must be issued from the Department of Health – Vital Records Division within the past 12 months. Marriage certificates issued by the circuit court must contain a triple seal.

Court Documents: Court Records, cannot be notarized and must be issued from the appropriate Virginia Circuit Court within the past 12 months. This date must be reflected on the document in addition to the signature of the (Deputy) Clerk of Court.

Corporate Documents: Must be issued by the State Corporation Commission within the past 12 months.

Educational documents:  If you work with the registrar of your school in advance, they may be able to incorporate a notarial certificate into their normal copy certification process and provide you with a notarized original. These notarized originals are always preferable since it is the real document custodian’s signature that is being notarized.  

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a VIRGINIA Commissioned notary public. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from WISCONSIN Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

SECRETARY OF STATE will only authenticate wet/original signatures.

Documents signed by a Wisconsin Public Officer: Documents that are issued by a Wisconsin government agency must have a signature and/or a seal and date issued by that office. The signature should include a printed name and title, and the seal should have the name of the office included.

Educational documents: Transcripts, Diplomas, and other School Letters – Transcripts and diplomas must be issued by certified Wisconsin schools and signed, by a school official such as a Principal, President, Dean, registrar, Secretary, or School Counselor. This does not include transcripts and diplomas created by parents or by students who received home schooling – you must request these documents from the Department of Public Instruction. Transcripts must include a date, signature, a printed name and a title of the School’s Official (see above for examples of the School Official). Diplomas must be issued by certified Wisconsin schools, and must be the original, a duplicate original (ordered from the school), or a certified copy made by the school on their letterhead and signed by a school’s official (see above for examples of the School Official). Other letters written by a school must be signed and printed name, dated by a school official, and be written on the school’s letterhead.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a WISCONSIN Commissioned notary public. Documents that have only a signature, and seal, or are missing the notarial statement will be rejected.

Foreign Language Documents: Any language is okay, as long as the notarial wording is in English

Below are some of the requirements from  ALABAMA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: All birth certificates and death certificates requiring an Apostille must bear the signature of the current Alabama State Registrar.  A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an ALABAMA notary public or must bear the seal and signature of an ALABAMA elected official. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from CALIFORNIA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: Birth or Death certificate must be issued by the county recorder or State of California Department of Public Health. If a Birth or Death Certificate has the signature of a County Health Officer the document must be certified by the county clerk’s office in the county in which it was issued.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the court and have the date, signature, name of the officer certifying the record and the seal of the court.

Corporate Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the Secretary of State.  

Educational documents: Can be Notarized originals from the school or University or Notarized copy of original notarized by a Notary Public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must be Notarized by a Notary Public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  DELAWARE Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Whenever an apostille is requested for documents that have been filed with the Secretary of State, each document must be certified separately. Documents that have been certified under a one-cover certification are not acceptable for the issuance of the apostille.

The Delaware Secretary of State, Division of Corporations also provides authentication of Delaware public officials’ signatures on documents.

Foreign Language Documents: Any document that is in a foreign language must have the English translation attached to it. The English version must be notarized.

Below are some of the requirements from HAWAII Lieutenant Governor to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication. The Lieutenant Governor serves as Secretary of State for the State of Hawaii.

Public documents: If you require a certified copy of a birth, death, civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate to be authenticated for international legalization, you may request authentication at the same time you request a certified copy of the certificate. The Department of Health will coordinate with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the State Circuit Court to have the official forms prepared and attached to the certificate being issued. Nationwide Apostille does not provide Apostille service for Vital records & court documents in the state of Hawaii.

General Documents: General Documents are documents such as unrecorded powers-of-attorney, agreements, bylaws, transcripts, unrecorded conveyance documents, unprobated wills, etc. Notarized documents must be verified by Hawaii First Circuit then Apostilled/Authenticated by the office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Foreign Language Documents: Must be executed in English

Below are some of the requirements from  IOWA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: Certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates may be obtained from the state office of vital records

Court Documents: Must be certified Copies issued by the court.

Corporate Documents: Must be certified Copies issued by the Secretary of state.

Educational documents: Preferably Notarized by the School or University.

All other documents Must be Notarized in the state of Iowa.

Foreign Language Documents: Acceptable for Apostille as long as the Notarization is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  LOUISIANA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be original certified copy from the Louisiana Vital Records Office.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies signed by the clerks of court, deputy clerks of court, ex-officio notary, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, judges, justices of the peace.

Educational documents:  Must be official transcripts and diplomas signed by Louisiana state accredited university registrars, presidents or deans.

All other documents: Must be Notarized by a Louisiana Notary and The notarization must fully comply with Louisiana Notary Law. The original notarized document must have the printed name of the notary underneath his/her signature.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from MASSACHUSETTS Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth and Death Certificates must be original certified copies issued by Massachusetts Vital Records. Certified copies of a Marriage Certificate can be obtained from the city or town clerk where you applied and filed your Marriage License. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: Certified copies of a Judgment or Divorce decree can be obtained from the district court clerk in the district where the divorce was filed.

Police records or Criminal Reports: Copy of your Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) can be obtained from the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services, www.mass.gov/cjis. Police Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained from the local Police Department.

Educational documents: Have your school registrar certify to the record in the presence of a Notary then the Notary Public will notarize the signature of the school registrar.

All other documents: (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Massachusetts Commissioned notary public. Massachusetts notaries may not certify nor authenticate a photograph. However, a Notary Public may notarize a statement by the principal regarding the photograph.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from MISSISSIPPI Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be an original certified copy from the MISSISSIPPI Vital Records Office.

Educational Documents: Must be notarized by the school registrar.

All other documents: must be Notarized and have a wet/original signatures.

Below are some of the requirements from the NEBRASKA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth or Death Certificates, Must be original certified copy of a Birth or Death certificate (for a birth or death that occurred in Nebraska), issued and certified by the
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Marriage License Certificates, Must be original certified copy of a Marriage License (for a marriage that occurred in Nebraska), issued and certified by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Court Documents: Divorce Certificate must be a certified copy of the original (for a divorce that occurred in Nebraska), issued and certified by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of Vital Statistics. A Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: Must be a certified copy of the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (for a divorce that occurred in Nebraska) issued and certified by a Nebraska Clerk of the District Court’s Office

Nebraska Adoption Statutes certification: The Nebraska Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, is the State Agency authorized to certify Nebraska statutes and they will prepare an official certification of the specific adoption statute

Corporate Documents: Such as Business documentation, The original document, with an original signature of an official or employee of the business, containing a properly executed acknowledgment, oath, or affirmation and notarization

Educational documents: School Transcript & Diploma: The original document, with an original signature of a school official authorized to sign such a school record, also containing a properly executed acknowledgment, oath, or affirmation and notarization.

All other documents: (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) The original document, with an original signature(s), also containing a properly executed acknowledgment, oath, or affirmation and notarization.

Below are some of the requirements from NEW JERSEY Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be original certified copies issued by the NEW JERSEY Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registry. For vital records dated prior to January 1, 1917, contact the New Jersey State Archives. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the court archives and beat the signature of the deputy certifying the records with the seal, date and stamp of the court.

Educational documents: Transcripts, diploma, verification letter, etc, must be notarized by a New Jersey notary public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a NEW JERSEY Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from North Dakota Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth, death or marriage certificates, Must be certified copy issued by the State registrar of vital statistics or a county clerk recorder of a circuit court judge.

Court Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by the County Recorder

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copy issued by North Dakota Secretary of State.

Educational documents: To process an authentication by Apostille/certification for a school record, the following must be submitted:
Copy of the transcript, including:
Student’s full name; Numerical class year in school (e.g. 9, 10, 11, 12); Academic year (e.g. 2010 – 2011); and School’s name and address.
Copy of the school’s certificate (e.g. diploma).
Official letter signed by the principal or individual who has the same authority, which contains:
Official school seal; Student’s full name; and Statement that the student has met all the requirements of the school.

An original Notary acknowledgement page attached to each of the above documents. The principal of the school or individual who has the same authority must affix his or her signature to each acknowledgement before the same Notary Public for all three acknowledgement pages

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a North Dakota Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in Foreign Language must have a Notarized translation attached in order to process the Apostille.

Below are some of the requirements from OHIO Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records:Birth certificates and Death certificates must be certified by the Ohio Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Marriage records must be certified copies issued by the county probate courts. 

Court Documents: The secretary of State will authenticate official certified copies of Court documents and documents that have been properly notarized by Court officials provided that they have their signatures on file. Certified copies of divorce decrees, probated wills and judgments can be obtained at the Clerk of Court’s office in the county where the proceedings took place. 

Corporate Documents: Official state documents can be Apostilled as long as signature of the official is on file with the state.

Educational documents:  Notarization of original school records would require you to have the school official sign an affidavit in the presence of the notary public.  Notarization of a photocopy of the original school record requires the owner of the original document signing an affidavit on the photocopy, in the presence of a notary public.  

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an OHIO Commissioned notary public. Photocopies of any of these documents are acceptable for authentication but only if properly notarized as a true and accurate copy (with the exception of birth and death certificates).

Foreign Language Documents: must be accompanied with Notarized translation.

Below are some of the requirements from RHODE ISLAND Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: must be original certified copy from the state of RHODE ISLAND Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.

Court Documents: Must be Certified by the court. Electronic copies through PACER must be Notarized before an Apostille can be obtained.

Corporate Documents: Like Certificates of Good Standing, Dissolution, Withdrawal, Cancellation etc.. must be certified copies from RI Department of State.

Educational documents: School records can be notarized by a Rhod Island Commissioned Notary Public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a RHODE ISLAND Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language must have a notarized translation attached.

Below are some of the requirements from SOUTH DAKOTA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Vital records (birth certificate, marriage license, etc), must be certified copies issued by Register of Deeds office or the State Department of Health.

Court Documents: Must be a Certified copy issued by SD County Clerk of Courts.

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copy issued by SD County Clerk of Courts.

Educational documents: All educational documents Diploma, Transcript, Letters must first  be notarized by a South Dakota notary.

All other documents Such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc… must first be notarized by a SOUTH DAKOTA Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from UTAH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth, marriage, Death Certificates must be a certified copy issued by Vital Records in Utah.

Court Documents: Court documents like Divorce Decree must be a certified copy from the Court Clerk of the county where the divorce was recorded.

Corporate Documents: Corporate Documents must be a certified copy issued by the Department of Commerce (emailed/printed copies from commerce will not be accepted)

Educational documents: School Records must be a certified copy from the Utah public school (Private school documents must be signed by the registrar of the school, then notarized)

All other documents: such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc… must be properly notarized by a Utah notary.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from WASHINGTON Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

SECRETARY OF STATE will only authenticate wet/original signatures.

Vital Records: Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce Decree, and Single Status Certificates. must be original certified copy from State Registrar, Health Officer of Vital Records or County Health Departments. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: The SECRETARY OF STATE will authenticate official certified copies of Court documents and documents that have been properly notarized by Court officials provided that they have their signatures on file.

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copies signed by State Officials or their authorized representatives

Educational documents: Official transcripts and diplomas don’t require notarization.
Washington Schools K-12: Transcripts must be signed by Principal or Vice Principal. This needs to be a special request, the Principal typically does not sign transcripts. Original Diplomas are signed by the Principal or Assistant Principal. As an option, a copy of the original Diploma can be notarized by a Washington State Notary Public.
Both must have the School Seal
Washington State College/University: Transcripts must be signed by Registrar, Associate Registrar, or Interim Registrar. Original Degrees are signed by the President. As an option, a copy of the original Degree can be notarized by a Washington State Notary Public.
Both must have the School Seal

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a WASHINGTON Commissioned notary public.

Below are some of the requirements from WYOMING SECRETARY OF STATE to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Must be a Certified copy, signed by County Clerk or Deputy, State Registrar or Deputy.

Educational documents: The student record or official records maintained by the school, must be certified by the registrar or other authorized faculty member. The certification must include a signature and the title of the authorized faculty member. The authorized faculty member’s signature must then be notarized by a Wyoming Notary Public, and a notarial certificate must be attached to the school record.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a WYOMING Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Any language is fine, as long as the notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  ARIZONA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication.

Vital Records: must be original certificate or a certified copy from the ARIZONA Department of Health’s Vital Records office. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Corporate Documents: Government documents such as a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage record, corporation document, etc. must be a CERTIFIED COPY issued by that government office.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an ARIZONA notary public, or must bear the seal and signature of an ARIZONA elected official. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  COLORADO Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

State of Colorado will only authenticate documents correctly notarized by a Colorado notary, or certified by Vital Records or a County Clerk’s office in Colorado.

Vital Records: must be original certificate or a certified copy from the Colorado Department of Health’s Vital Records office. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: Court documents must be issued by County Clerk and Recorder.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Colorado notary public, or must bear the seal and signature of a Colorado elected official. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from FLORIDA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: Birth Certificates & Death Certificates must be signed by the State Registrar.
Please see the below list of State Registrar’s, whose signatures can be Apostille.

Ken Jones
C. Meade Grigg
Oliver Board
Charles Mahan
Edward Williams
If the Birth or Death Certificate you have isn’t signed by one of the State’s Registrars listed above, then you likely have a County Level Birth Certificate. County Level, Birth and Death Certificates, do not qualify for apostille.

Two types of Marriage and Divorce certificates exist. The two types are distinguished as either a State level or County level document. Either type maybe Apostilled as long as its printed on printed on mostly blue paper.

Court Documents: Any Criminal History or Criminal background check issued by a Florida Police, Sheriff or F.D.L.E. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement.) Must be notarized by a Florida Notary first.

Corporate Documents: Corporate document like Articles, or Certificate of Good Standing must be Certified copies issued by the Florida Division of Corporations to get it Apostilled.

Educational documents: The original Diploma or a photocopy of a Diploma may be Apostilled. Any Florida notary can notarize a copy of the Diploma by using Attested Copy notary form. If you have to have an original diploma Apostilled then Original Diploma would have to be notarized by the school registrar. You would have to request a notarized original from the school. Also, GED Certificates must be signed by the school’s registrar and the registrar’s signature must be notarized.

Foreign Language Documents: documents can be in foreign language but the notarization must be in English. No need to have an English translation with the document requiring Apostille.

All other documents: Any document that is not a state or county certifiable document must be notarized by a Florida notary before qualifying to be Apostilled. Notarized documents must have a notarial wording and not just a stamp and a signature.

Below are some of the requirements from IDAHO Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains birth and death records filed from July 1911 to the present, and marriage and divorce records filed from May 1947 to the present. Some counties may have older birth, death, marriage, or divorce records in their files, but county files contain only records of vital events that occurred in that county.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the Clerk of the Court, Public Prosecutor or Process Server.

Educational documents: All school documents must be signed and Notarized by a school official before sending it to us for Apostille.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

All other documents: Only documents Issued by Idaho officials or notarized by Idaho Notaries can be Apostilled.

Below are some of the requirements from Illinois Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death, Verification of No Marriage Letter) Must bear the signature of the county clerk, local registrar or Illinois State Registrar obtained from your local county clerk or Department of Public Health / Vital Records Division.

Court Documents: All court documents must be certified copies signed by a Circuit Clerk or Circuit Judge (i.e. Divorce decrees, legal name change) must include the official’s seal and signature, their printed name, and title.

Corporate Documents: apostille/authenticate can be obtained on Certified copies of business organization documents issued by the Illinois Secretary of State such as; (articles of incorporation or organization, certificates of limited partnership, certificates of merger, assumed name certificates, registration of trademarks, certificates of existence or fact issued by the Corporation Division)
Note: Bylaws and Meeting Minutes not file with the Corporation Division, must be notarized.

Educational documents: All school records, school transcripts, report cards or diplomas must be signed by a school official (normally the Registrar or Principal) and the official’s signature must be notarized.

Police Records: Such documents from the Illinois State Police, county sheriffs or local police departments must be signed by an official from that office and his or her signature must be notarized.

All other documents: Such as Adoption documents, Power of Attorneys, Deeds of Assignment, Distributorship Agreements, Assignments, References and Job Certifications. Must be notarized.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from the KANSAS State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: must be original State certified copy from the office of Vital Statistics . Older certified copies may bear signatures that can’t be authenticated it is recommended to get freshly certified copy.  A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: For court judgments, divorce decrees and other court documents you need to present certified copies prepared by a State Court to obtain Apostille.

Educational documents:  You can request Notarized original school records from the School’s registrar. These notarized originals are always preferable since it is the real document custodian’s signature that is being notarized.  

All other documents, such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc… must first be notarized by a KANSAS Commissioned notary public. KANSAS’s notaries do not have the authority to directly certify documents or photocopies of documents. The workaround to this limitation here in KANSAS is a process we call “Copy Certification By Document Custodian” whereby literally anyone except a commissioned notary public can “certify” a copy/document using this process.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from MAINE Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: (birth, marriage, divorce or death records) must be certified copies issued by municipal, court and state officials.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the court.

Educational documents: Academic records like diplomas and transcripts issued by universities or accredited schools must be notarized copies of the school records issued by the school registrar.

All other documents: such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc… requires a notarial statement be included on or attached to the document. A notarial statement is the wording, usually at the end of a document, which identifies the steps a notary public has performed in witnessing a signature. The two most common notarial statements are the Jurat and the Acknowledgement.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in a foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from MICHIGAN Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: (Birth, Marriage, Death, or Divorce) – Must be Certified copies from one of the following:  A Michigan County Clerk, The Michigan State Registrar, City Clerks in the counties of Wayne,  Macomb  and Oakland only. Original vital records cannot be accepted for this purpose.

Corporate Documents: Certified Copies of Articles of Incorporation issued from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Educational documents:  school records, transcripts and diplomas from University in Michigan must be notarized copies issued by the school registrar.

All other documents Michigan Notary Public notarized documents. Must be complete and contain original signatures.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from Missouri Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority.

Vital Records: Birth Certificate & Death Certificates – must be a certified copy from the Bureau of Vital Records. Marriage License – must be a certified copy from the Recorder of Deeds of the county where the marriage occurred or from the Bureau of Vital Records.

Court Documents: Divorce Decree – must be a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk of the county where the divorce is recorded.

Educational documents: The registrar or other authority of the school must sign a statement, which is typed on the BACK of the diploma or transcript. The wording in this statement says that the diploma or transcript is either the original record issued by the school or a copy of the original document issued by the school and the date it was issued. The signature of the school official is witnessed by a notary public. The notary states that he/she saw the school official sign the document. If the school does not issue a diploma for foreign students, a notarized letter from the registrar or other school authority must be given to the student. This letter must state that the student has completed the requirements for graduation from that school, but the school does not issue diplomas for foreign students. This letter is notarized in the same manner as other notarized school documents.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must have the proper notarization on the document including the notarial paragraph, notary’s signature and seal.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from NEVADA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Birth and Death certificates must be original certified copy from the NEVADA Vital Records and Statistics Office. Marriage certificate must be issued by the County Clerk’s Office where the marriage license was issued. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies from the court. For certified copies of a divorce judgment, contact the Court that granted the divorce and request a certified copy of the record on file.

Educational documents: Diplomas and Transcripts can be originals notarized by the School or copies of the original Diploma or Transcript can be notarized by any appointed Nevada Notary Public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a NEVADA Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  New Mexico Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: must be original certified copy from the New Mexico County Clerks office and the New Mexico State Registrar of Vital Records.

Court Documents: Must be certified copies issued by the Supreme Court Clerk.

Corporate Documents: Must be issued by New Mexico Secretary of State .

Educational documents:  If you work with the registrar of your school in advance, they may be able to incorporate a notarial certificate into their normal copy certification process and provide you with a notarized original or have a copy of the school record Notarized as true copy of the original.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a New Mexico Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from Oklahoma Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: To obtain a copy of an Oklahoma birth certificate, you may contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Marriage, must be dated within the past year.

Court Documents: Marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and any court certified document, must be dated within the past year. to obtain a current certified copy of a court issued document, you may contact the Court Clerk’s office in the county the document was issued.

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Educational documents: Must be Notarized by an Oklahoma Notary Public, It can be an Original Notarized record or a true copy of an original Notarized by an local Oklahoma Notary Public.
All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by an Oklahoma Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Apostille can be obtained on Vital Records such as Birth Records and Death Records issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Marriage and Divorce Records or Adoption Registry can be obtained from Pennsylvania county government office in which the records were filed.

Court Documents: must be Certified copies signed by the Clerk of the county.

Corporate Documents: Must be certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth as true and correct copies of the record in this office.

Educational documents:  documents must be signed by and contain the seal of the Pennsylvania official who is the custodian of the record or a Commissioned Pennsylvania notary public.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commissioned notary public.

 NOTE: Diplomas, transcripts and criminal record checks must be notarized prior to requesting an apostille or certification

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from Tennessee Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority:

Vital Records: Vital records such as birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates can be Apostilled as long as they are issued by Tennessee County Clerks or Tennessee State Registrar.

Court Documents: Court documents must first be Notarized and the Notary’s signature verified by the County Clerk of the County where the Notary Public At Large was commissioned before an Apostille can be obtained.

Corporate Documents: Must be Certified copies issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State

Educational documents: Diplomas transcripts and school letter must first be Notarized and the Notary’s signature verified by the County Clerk of the County where the Notary Public At Large was commissioned before an Apostille can be obtained.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavits, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a Tennessee Commissioned notary public and the Notary’s signature verified by the County Clerk of the County where the Notary Public At Large was commissioned before an Apostille can be obtained.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English. Document must first be notarized by a Tennessee Commissioned notary public and the Notary’s signature verified by the County Clerk of the County where the Notary Public At Large was commissioned before an Apostille can be obtained.

Below are some of the requirements from  VERMONT Secretary of State to Apostille documents or issue a Certificate of Authentication:

Vital Records: must be original certified copy issued by The Office of Vital Records of Vermont Department of Health. Certified copies of birth and death records may be requested from any town clerk in the State of Vermont in addition to the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA). Certified copies of marriage records (all years) can also be requested from the clerk of the town where the event took place. 

Court Documents: Must be official certified copies of Court documents and documents that have been properly notarized by Court officials provided that they have their signatures on file. Certified copies of divorce records (2014 and later), dissolution records (all years) and foreign-born births (all years) can only be requested from the Department of Health.

Corporate Documents: We can process the Request for Certified copies of corporate documents like Certificate of Good standing and Certified copies of corporate records with Apostille.

Educational documents: Must be issued by the registrar of the school with a Notarized affidavit.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavits, authorization letter etc…) must be properly notarized by a Vermont Public Notary. 

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.

Below are some of the requirements from  WEST VIRGINIA Secretary of State to Apostille documents or provide a Certificate of authority.

Vital Records: Birth, Death Certificates must be original certified copy from county clerk, or the State Registrar of Vital Statistics. Marriage Certificates must be Certified copies signed by the Clerk of the County Commission of the county where the marriage was performed and bearing the stamp of the office.

Court Documents: divorce Decrees must be certified copies signed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court which issued the decree and bearing the stamp of the office. Court Orders must be Certified copies signed by the Clerk of Court which issued the order.

Legal Documents: Recorded Deeds, Wills and Other Estate Documents must be Certified copies signed by the Clerk of the County Commission where these records are on file.

Corporate Documents: Must be certified copies signed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Educational documents:  Original Transcripts, Attendance Records and Other School Records Must be signed by the appropriate school official and properly notarized in West Virginia. Certified Diplomas With an original signature by the appropriate school official and properly notarized in West Virginia.

All other documents (such as a power of attorney, affidavit, authorization letter etc…) must first be notarized by a WEST VIRGINIA Commissioned notary public.

Foreign Language Documents: Documents in foreign language can be Apostilled as long as the Notarial wording is in English.