In order to use a public document in another country, it often must go through an authentication process called apostille. The purpose of an apostille is to verify the authenticity of the signature on the document and the capacity in which that person signed. An apostille also certifies the official seal or stamp that appears on the document. For some documents, the apostille is attached to the document itself while others have a separate page with an apostille.

Authentication services are provided by the Office of the Secretary of State for New York (and other states) and by the U.S Department of State for Federal Government documents. This office can be contacted at the following website for information on how to request an apostille for your document.

Understanding the U.S. Document Apostille Procedure

When requesting a U.S. document apostille, you must indicate the country to which you are sending the document. This is because not all countries recognize the apostille and additional steps may be needed.

In some instances, you can submit a document for an apostille without specifying the country of destination. However, we strongly recommend that you contact the country where you will be using the document to see what steps will be required in your case.

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates documents issued in the United States for use in foreign countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. It is an internationally recognized certificate that confirms the identity of the signing officer and the authority under which the document was issued. The apostille also contains the signature of the person who authenticated it and a facsimile of the Department of State seal.