An Apostille is a special certification used to verify the authenticity of documents for use in foreign countries. If you're only using a document within the United States, you do not need an Apostille—this process only applies when documents will be used internationally.
Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the U.S. state where the document was signed.
For example:
A document signed in Colorado must receive an Apostille from the Colorado Secretary of State, not from another state like California.
You can request an Apostille for almost any official document that was signed or issued by a government authority. Some of the most common include:
- Birth Certificates *
- Marriage Certificates *
- Death Certificates *
- Power of Attorney *
- Court-issued documents
- Notarized documents (signed by a licensed State Notary)
- Certified business documents (Articles of Incorporation, Partnerships, etc.)
* Some of these documents may require additional steps before an Apostille can be issued.
First, the document must be signed in front of a Notary Public.
Then, the notary’s signature must be verified by the local County Clerk, a process known as Notary Verification. This ensures the Notary is properly commissioned and that their signature is on file.
After verification, the document is eligible for Apostille by the State government.
If you’re requesting an Apostille for a Birth Certificate, make sure you have the most current, certified copy. Old or unofficial copies may not be accepted. You can obtain a new certified copy from the County Recorder's Office if needed.
Timelines can vary depending on the state and method of submission:
- Standard processing: Usually 7–10 business days
- Expedited services: Available through third-party providers if you're in a rush
- Walk-in appointments (where available) may offer same-day service
Note: Requirements and timelines may differ by state. Always check with your State’s Secretary of State office or use a reliable Apostille service for the most accurate and up-to-date information.