South Carolina Apostille Certification: Everything You Need to Know

Preparing to study, work, or relocate abroad involves more than just packing your bags. It requires making sure your important documents are legally recognized overseas. One of the key steps in this process is obtaining an apostille certification, which validates documents issued in the United States for international use.

For South Carolina residents, this may include authenticating documents such as birth or marriage certificates, academic records, corporate filings, or court documents. Whether your move is for education, career opportunities, business ventures, or personal reasons, an apostille ensures that your paperwork meets international legal standards.

This guide is designed to provide South Carolina residents with a clear and comprehensive overview of the apostille process. From understanding what an apostille is, to identifying which documents require certification, and finally to learning how to apply, you’ll find everything you need to navigate this essential step with confidence.

An apostille is a specialized form of certification issued by a designated authority that verifies the authenticity of official documents. In the case of South Carolina, it confirms that the signature and seal on your document are valid and have been issued by an authorized state official.

For example, if you need to use your South Carolina birth certificate for a visa application in Spain, the foreign authorities won’t automatically recognize it. With an apostille attached, your birth certificate becomes officially valid abroad without further authentication.

It’s important to note that an apostille does not certify the actual content of your document; it only verifies that the signatures and seals are legitimate. This system is recognized internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, which currently includes over 120 member countries. Documents with a South Carolina apostille can be used freely in any of these nations.

Many different types of documents may require authentication before they can be accepted internationally. Here are the most common categories:

1. Vital Records: These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates issued in South Carolina. They are often required for immigration, residency, citizenship, or family-related matters abroad.

2. Education Records: If you are planning to study or work overseas, you may need your high school diplomas, university degrees, transcripts, or letters of enrollment apostilled. Employers and academic institutions abroad rely on this authentication to confirm the legitimacy of your credentials.

3. Business & Corporate Documents: Entrepreneurs and companies often need to validate articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, or partnership agreements when doing business in foreign countries. South Carolina businesses expanding abroad must apostille such documents to prove their authenticity.

4. Legal & Court Documents: Certain judicial or administrative papers, such as name change orders, custody decrees, adoption records, or probate documents, may require authentication when presented abroad.

5. Power of Attorney & Notarized Papers: A power of attorney or other notarized authorization may be needed if you’re delegating legal authority to someone overseas. Apostille certification ensures that the notarial act performed in South Carolina will be accepted abroad.

6. Background Checks: State background checks or other reports often need authentication for visa applications, employment permits, or residency abroad.

In all these cases, foreign authorities rely on apostille certification to ensure that South Carolina-issued documents are legitimate and enforceable.

In South Carolina, the only authority legally permitted to issue apostilles is the Secretary of State’s Office, located in Columbia.

This office is responsible for reviewing your submitted documents, verifying the notary or issuing authority’s signature, and then attaching an official apostille certificate. Local notaries, courthouses, or county clerks cannot issue apostilles directly. However, in some cases, documents may need to be notarized first before they are eligible for apostille certification.

This centralized process ensures consistency and prevents fraudulent certifications. If you want your document to be recognized abroad, the SC Secretary of State is the only official source for apostilles in South Carolina.

Before submitting your documents for authentication, meeting certain requirements is essential. The Secretary of State enforces strict guidelines to ensure only legitimate documents are certified.

• Issued in South Carolina: The document must originate from a South Carolina authority. Documents from other states cannot be authenticated here.

• Certified Copies Required: For vital records like birth or marriage certificates, you must obtain certified copies from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the appropriate county office.

• Proper Notarization: If your document is notarized, it must be completed by a South Carolina notary public with the correct wording in English.

• Completed Apostille Request Form: You must submit the official form, including details such as your name, address, country of destination, and the type of document. South Carolina has a specific form for apostille requests, which you can download from the official website.

• Correct Payment: Fees must be paid in the accepted format (check, money order, or credit card if available).

• Destination Country Listed: Indicating the country where the document will be used ensures that the correct certification is applied.

• Originals or Certified Copies Only: Photocopies are not accepted under any circumstances.

Failing to meet these requirements could delay or even invalidate your apostille application.

There are three main methods for obtaining an apostille in South Carolina:

1. In Person
You can apply directly at the Secretary of State’s Office in Columbia. Bring your certified or notarized documents, completed form, and payment. Same-day service is usually available, making this the fastest option for those who live nearby.

2. By Mail
If you can’t visit in person, mailing your documents is another option. Send your application form, documents, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. This method typically takes longer, depending on office workload and mailing times. Always use a reliable service like USPS, FedEx, or UPS with tracking to avoid delays or lost documents.

3. Using a Third-Party Apostille Service

For those living outside South Carolina, abroad, or simply short on time, hiring a professional apostille service can save effort and minimize mistakes. Services like Globeia handle the entire process on your behalf, ensuring your documents are submitted correctly and returned to you quickly. They are especially helpful if you need multiple documents apostilled or require expedited processing.

The cost of an apostille in South Carolina is charged per document, not per page. This means that if you have multiple documents, such as a birth certificate and a diploma, you’ll need to pay the fee for each certificate separately.

Payments can usually be made by check or money order payable to the “South Carolina Secretary of State.” Some walk-in applicants may also be able to pay via credit card. Cash payments are generally not accepted for security reasons.

If you choose to use a private provider like Globeia, expect to pay an additional service fee. While this increases the cost, it often saves significant time and stress, especially if you’re not located near Columbia.

Processing times vary depending on the method you choose:

• In Person: Most applications can be completed on the same day or within 2 days, making this the fastest option.

• By Mail: Usually takes 3-5  days, plus mailing time. Delays are possible if documents are incomplete or incorrectly prepared.

• Through a Service: Professional apostille services often offer expedited processing, sometimes completing the process faster than mailing directly to the Secretary of State.

Planning is key. If you know you’ll need documents authenticated for an upcoming move, visa, or study program, start the process early to avoid last-minute stress.

A South Carolina apostille is an official certificate issued by the Secretary of State’s Office. It is attached directly to your original document or certified copy.

The certificate includes:

• The seal of the Secretary of State.
• The signature of the issuing officer.
• The date of issuance.
• A unique tracking or verification number.

This format ensures that foreign authorities can easily recognize and validate the authenticity of the document. The apostille is internationally accepted and cannot be removed or reused once attached.

Obtaining an apostille may seem like a complicated step, but it is an essential requirement if you plan to use South Carolina documents abroad. From birth certificates to business filings, an apostille makes sure your paperwork is legally recognized in foreign countries.

In South Carolina, the Secretary of State’s Office in Columbia is the official authority for issuing apostilles. Residents can apply in person, by mail, or through a professional service. Each method has its own advantages, but in-person applications are generally the fastest.

Whether you’re moving abroad for education, employment, or family matters, taking the time to properly apostille your documents will save you countless difficulties later. For those who want a smooth, error-free experience, trusted providers like Globeia Apostille Services in South Carolina can handle the process on your behalf.

With careful preparation and the right guidance, getting a South Carolina apostille certification is a straightforward process that ensures your documents are ready for international use.