Understand document authentication and find the official office for the state that issued your certificate
An Apostille is an official certificate that verifies the signature, stamp or seal on a public document for use in another country participating in the Hague Apostille Convention
It certifies the origin of the document; it does not certify the truth of its contents
A receiving authority abroad may ask for an Apostille so it can recognize the document’s official signature or seal Common examples include birth, marriage and death certificates, court records and educational documents
Whether it is needed depends on the document, the destination country and the receiving authority Countries outside the Apostille Convention may require a different authentication and legalization process
Select the state that issued your certificate, even if you currently live in another state For notarized documents, use the jurisdiction of the notary and follow that office’s instructions
