Who can issue an apostille in the US?

Have you ever tried to use a US document in another country? Then, you might have come across a term called an Apostille. A USA Apostille is a special certificate that proves your American documents are authentic and valid and can be used in many countries worldwide. Now, who has the authority to issue an apostille in the United States? Let's dive into this process.
 

Let's first understand what an apostille is before we understand who can issue it. An Apostille is a certificate that makes your document valid for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It is a simple and quick process because it has fewer steps.
 

Various types of documents might require an Apostille, including but not limited to the following

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce certificates
• Educational diplomas and transcripts
• Powers of attorney
• Corporate documents
   

Depending on the document type and where it was issued, specific state and federal officials have the authority to issue an apostille in the United States.

1. State-Level Documents
For documents such as birth, death, marriage certificates, and education-related documents, the secretary of State where the documents are issued typically handles the state apostille process. Every state has its office that handles such requests. For example, if you need an apostille in California, you should submit the document to  the California Secretary of State's office.  

Steps to Get an Apostille at the State Level:

• Get the Document: You must ensure you have original documents or certified copies.
• Review State Requirements: Each state may have specific requirements, so you must visit the Secretary of State's website to understand its procedures.
• Submit the Document: You can mail your documents or deliver them in person to the appropriate office.
• Pay the Fee: This service usually has a fee, which varies by state.
• Receive the Apostille: When your documents are verified, you will receive the document with the attached apostille.
   

2. Federal-Level Documents
The US Department of State is responsible for issuing apostilles for federal documents like FBI background checks or certain immigration documents. 

Steps to Get an Apostille for Federal Documents:

• Get the Document: You must have the original or a certified copy of the federal document.
• Submit to the Department of State: You must send your document to the US Department of State's Office of Authentication
• Pay the Fee: You need to pay a small amount for this service
• Receive the Apostille: Once processed, you will receive the document with the attached apostille.