Apostille authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, notarial act, or other legal documents, for use in another country. Instead of a specific apostille certificate, the state of Montana issues a "Universal Certificate" which can be used for both the Hague Convention and non-member countries. When documents are destined for countries outside the Hague Convention, extra certification steps are necessary. Common documents include birth certificates and academic transcripts.

The apostille verifies the signature and seal's legitimacy. It streamlines international transactions, legal procedures, and educational admissions among other use cases.

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Submitting Your Montana Apostille Request

Begin by requesting certified copies of your documents from the respective authority in Montana. Also, make sure that the document was issued within the last five years as older copies may require renewal. Notarization, if required, must also be performed.

Vital records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates, can be ordered online through The Montana Office of Vital Records County offices have the authority to issue birth certificates and certified copies of recorded documents. Additionally, County Clerks of Court are authorized to provide certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates if they were issued or registered there.

For criminal background checks, the Montana Department of Justice handles state-level checks, while local checks must be signed and notarized before certification. Private business documents require notarization before applying for an apostille. You can access the Montana Secretary of State's

Document Notarization Checklist For Montana

Your Montana notarial certificate must include the following details as directed by the Secretary of State:

Venue: Clearly state the state and county where the notarization occurred.
Statement of Particulars: Include a sentence with the notarization date, type of notarial act, and a reference to the signer or document.
Notary's Official Signature: Ensure the notary has personally signed the document.
Notary's Official Stamp: Confirm the presence of the notary's official stamp.

Montana Secretary of State provides templates on their website for various notarial acts. Pre-check your notarized document using their templates before submission to guarantee proper notarization for apostille eligibility. You can also contact Globeia to understand what is required before the apostille process.

Expedited Montana Apostille Services

Let Globeia get your Montana documents apostilled faster. Our online system simplifies the authentication of your documents for a very reasonable fee. Our professionals will help you navigate the different parts of the process so that your documents meet all of the requirements set by the Montana Secretary of State. Enjoy prompt customer support and plenty of resources to assist you on your apostille journey. Send in your details using the Contact Us form below.

FAQs

Can the Montana Secretary of State apostille FBI check?

No, the Montana Secretary of State only apostilles documents related to records filed with their office or official records issued within the last five years. For FBI checks to be apostilled from the Montana Secretary of State, they must first be notarized by a notary public in Montana.

How can I get certified copies of business records in Montana?

From the SOS business Filing Portal, you can obtain certified copies of your business records. If certifying private records, you have to notarize them by following the guidelines in the Montana Notary Public Handbook.

Can Montana issue an apostille for electronically notarized documents?

Yes, the Montana Secretary of State can certify printouts of electronically notarized records. However, only tangible apostilles/authentications are provided. The electronic document will be printed and processed.

Does Montana apostille 10-year-old birth certificates?

No, only certified copies of official records issued within the last five years can be apostilled by the Montana Secretary of State. Older records require obtaining a new certified copy from the appropriate office.

How can Globeia expedite the apostille process in Montana?

Globeia expedites the apostille process in Montana by handling document submission and authentication efficiently, ensuring accuracy and speed. Submit the documents today on Globeia ‘s portal!

Who Can Issue an Apostille in Montana?

The Montana Secretary of State's office issues apostilles for state certification of documents. Once documents have been pre-checked, they can be dropped off at the Secretary of State's Office in Room 260, Montana State Capitol Building Helena, MT. After processing, individuals are contacted within approximately 2 business days for pick-up, or they can provide a return envelope for mailing.