Apostille Requirement Lookup
An apostille is a certification that authenticates the signature of a public official on a document. It's required when using US documents in foreign countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Select your destination and document type to get specific guidance.
Who Issues Apostilles in the US?
Birth / Marriage / Death CertificatesIssued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. Contact that state's SOS office directly.
Federal Documents (FBI background check, naturalization records)Issued by the US Department of State Office of Authentications (Washington, DC).
Notarized DocumentsFirst notarize with a licensed notary, then get an apostille from the Secretary of State in the state where the notary is commissioned.
Academic DegreesOften notarized by the university registrar, then apostilled by the state SOS. Some countries accept originals from accredited US institutions without apostille.
Corporate DocumentsArticles of incorporation from a Secretary of State are apostilled by that same SOS office. Certified copies are required.
Cost & TimeState apostilles: $5–$50 per document, 1–10 business days (or same-day for walk-in at some states). Federal State Dept apostilles: $8/document, 6–12 weeks or 2–4 days for expedited.