How to Get International Documents

Understand what's needed for international use:

Common Documents Requiring Authentication:

• Birth, death, and marriage certificates

• Educational transcripts and diplomas

• Corporate documents (articles, good standing)

• Power of attorney

• Court documents and judgments

• FBI background checks

Types of Authentication:

• Apostille (for Hague Convention countries)

• Embassy legalization (non-Hague countries)

• Notarization and certification

Questions to Answer:

• Which country will receive the document?

• What's the document's purpose (immigration, business)?

• Is translation required?

• Are certified copies acceptable or originals only?

Get the original or certified copy first:

Vital Records:

• Order from state vital records office

• Request certified copy with registrar's signature

• Long-form certificates often required

Educational Documents:

• Request from school registrar

• Must be on school letterhead with seal

• Some require notarization first

Corporate Documents:

• Obtain from Secretary of State

• Certificate of Good Standing

• Certified articles of incorporation

Important: Documents must be recent—many countries require documents dated within 6-12 months.

Determine the authentication path based on destination country:

Hague Convention Countries (120+ members):

• Require Apostille only

• No embassy legalization needed

• Faster, simpler process

• List includes most of Europe, Latin America, Asia

Non-Hague Countries:

• Require embassy/consulate legalization

• Multi-step authentication chain

• Longer processing time

• Countries include: Canada, China, UAE, Egypt

Verify at the Hague Conference website or destination country's embassy for current requirements.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond Apostille.

Documents often need certification before Apostille:

Notarization:

• Required for many document types

• Notary must be commissioned in issuing state

• Some documents need county clerk certification after

County Clerk Certification:

• Verifies notary's commission

• Required in some states before state Apostille

• Fee typically $5-$15

State Certification:

• Secretary of State certifies state-issued documents

• Required for documents from state agencies

• Precedes Apostille in authentication chain

Authentication Chain Order:

1. Notarization (if needed)

2. County certification (some states)

3. State certification or Apostille

4. Embassy legalization (non-Hague only)

Request Apostille from the appropriate authority:

State-Issued Documents:

• Secretary of State handles Apostilles

• Submit document with completed request form

• Pay required fee ($5-$25 per document)

• Processing: 5-15 business days typically

Federal Documents:

• U.S. Department of State Authentications Office

• FBI background checks require State Dept. Apostille

• Longer processing time (several weeks)

Submission Methods:

• Mail (most common)

• In-person (some states, appointments may be needed)

• Expedited services (additional fee)

The Apostille certificate is attached to your document and certifies its authenticity for international use.

For non-Hague countries, complete embassy legalization:

After Apostille/Authentication:

• Contact destination country's embassy or consulate

• Obtain their specific requirements

• Some require appointments

Common Embassy Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Original authenticated document

• Passport copy

• Fee payment (varies by country)

• Processing time: 3-15 business days

Translation Requirements:

• Many countries require certified translation

• Translator may need certification or notarization

• Translation must accompany original

Work With Professionals:

• Document authentication services handle all steps

• Ensures correct procedures for each country

• Saves time navigating complex requirements