When certain public documents are used abroad, they may require a certification of their authenticity. This certification, known as an apostille, validates official signatures. Whether you need an apostille or another type of legalization depends on which country will be receiving the document, whether it was issued by a U.S. state or county, and which government agency issued it. For example, a birth certificate needs to be authenticated by the state where it was issued. Apostilles and authentication certificates verify the seals, stamps or signatures of public officials on important documents such as court orders, contracts, marriage certificates, educational diplomas and vital records. Find out :https://apostille-usa.com/apostille-documents/

How to Apostille Official U.S. Issued Documents

The NDNY issues an apostille or a Certificate of Authentication for documents that are to be used in foreign countries. The apostille is a one-page document that contains a blue laser printed facsimile of the New York Department of State seal. The Certificate of Authentication is a single page document that includes the facsimile signature of the Deputy Secretary of State.

If you are applying to a country that is a signatory of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, an apostille will suffice. You can check the Hague Convention website to find out which countries recognize apostilles and which ones require a full legalization.

Apostilles and authentication certificates can be obtained by submitting the document, a completed application form (downloadable below), a photo ID and the fee to the NDNY for processing. The process can be done by mail, at the Walk-In Counter or by making a prescheduled appointment. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted for payments.