Apostille

Hague Apostille Convention

Published on August 01, 2025 . Last updated on June 05, 2026

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How to Get an Apostille in North Carolina in 2026

If you live in North Carolina or have documents issued in the state that need to be used abroad, you'll likely need an apostille. In today's globally connected world, more people are studying, working, marrying, or conducting business across international borders. And while your documents might be perfectly valid in North Carolina, they won't automatically be accepted in another country. That's because foreign governments often require confirmation that a document from the U.S. is genuine.

An apostille is an official certification issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State's Authentications Division that verifies the authenticity of your document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This 2026 blog covers everything you need to know which documents qualify, NC Secretary of State requirements, submission methods, processing times, fees, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays.

When Do You Need an Apostille in North Carolina?

The demand for apostilles in North Carolina is higher than ever. More people are leading international lives studying abroad, working overseas, starting families across borders, investing in property overseas, or managing legal matters that cross countries. All these situations require verified proof of identity, education, legal status, or authority, usually in the form of official documents issued by North Carolina authorities.

Common reasons why you might need an apostille for your North Carolina documents include:

Validating a university diploma or transcript to enroll in a foreign academic program.
Providing certified marriage or birth certificates for immigration, citizenship, or spousal visa applications.
Apostilling background checks or Criminal Record Checks for employment or residency overseas.
Certifying powers of attorney or legal affidavits to manage property or affairs abroad.
Authenticating corporate or business documents to establish foreign subsidiaries or contracts.

Without an apostille, these documents risk being rejected by foreign governments or institutions. The apostille confirms that your documents are authentic, legally binding, and officially recognized in the United States.

Whether you live in North Carolina or abroad, securing an apostille is a crucial step to ensure your personal, legal, or professional matters move forward smoothly across international borders.

Which Documents Can Be Apostilled in North Carolina?

Only certain documents can be apostilled, and they must meet specific conditions depending on their origin.

1. Certified Vital Records

These include:

Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Divorce decrees

2. Notarized Documents

These are often personal or private documents, including:

Power of attorney
Affidavits
Business contracts
School transcripts and diplomas (from private institutions)
Consent forms
Authorization letters
The date of notarization must be visible and accurate.

3. Public or Government-Issued Documents

These can include:

Court documents signed by a Clerk of Court
Criminal background checks from the NC State Bureau of Investigation
Certifications issued by state or county agencies
Letters signed by elected officials or government departments

Who Issues a North Caroline Apostille?

In North Carolina, apostilles are issued solely by the Secretary of State's Authentications Division. This is the official state office responsible for verifying the authenticity of public and notarized documents so they can be recognized internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention. If your document was created, certified, or notarized in North Carolina, the apostille must also be obtained within the state. The Apostille Division operates out of the Secretary of State's office in downtown Raleigh, and all apostille requests, whether submitted by mail or delivered in person, are processed through this location.

Apostille Office Address:

North Carolina Secretary of State

Authentication Office

2 South Salisbury Street

Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2903

Once an apostille is obtained, your document may be delivered directly to the country of intended use and does not require further authentication from the US Department of State.

Apostille Process and Document Guidelines for Apostille North Carolina

To ensure your documents are accepted for apostille processing by the North Carolina Secretary of State, follow these important requirements:

All documents must be in English; If the document is not in English, provide a certified or notarized translation into English.
Private or personal documents (e.g., diplomas, affidavits, powers of attorney) must be notarized by a North Carolina-commissioned Notary Public.
The notarization must include a complete notarial certificate, venue details, notary's full legal signature, and a round seal.
Certified public records from NC agencies like Vital Records, Register of Deeds, and Clerk of Superior Court do not require notarization.
Documents including transcripts, report cards, and diplomas issued by any North Carolina university, college, community college, or high school must be notarized by a North Carolina notary public. A school seal applied by the school registrar is not acceptable.
When submitting a copy of a document, attach a notarized "True Copy" affidavit declaring it's an accurate copy of the original.
All North Carolina agency documents must be certified since April 1, 2000. Other document types such as vital records and notarized documents are not subject to this date restriction.
Include a completed Apostille Cover Letter with your submission; templates are available on the Secretary of State's website.
Enclose payment via check or money order payable to "North Carolina Secretary of State"
Provide a prepaid return envelope with a printed, barcoded shipping label (typed account numbers are not accepted).
Emergency or expedited processing availability should be confirmed directly with the NC Secretary of State's office at sosnc.gov before submitting.
Federal documents (like FBI background checks or IRS records) must go to the U.S. Department of State, not the NC Secretary of State.

How to Get an Apostille in North Carolina: 3 Submission Methods

You can submit your North Carolina document in three ways according to your preferences:

Option 1: In-Person Submission

If you're in North Carolina, submitting your apostille documents in person is the fastest method. The North Carolina Secretary of State's Authentications Office, located at 2 South Salisbury Street in Raleigh, accepts walk-ins during standard business hours. Bring your certified or notarized original document, complete the Apostille Request Form, and deliver everything directly to the counter.

This option is especially useful for urgent needs like visa appointments, international school enrollment, or legal filings, as same-day processing is often available when documents are correctly prepared.

Option 2: Mail-In Submission

For individuals residing outside of North Carolina, or even outside the United States, mailing your documents is a practical and secure option. Simply gather your properly certified or notarized documents, fill out the Apostille Request Form, and send them along with a prepaid return envelope (with tracking) to the Secretary of State's office in Raleigh.

If you're mailing from abroad, make sure your return shipping label includes the necessary customs documentation and covers international postage. This ensures your completed documents are returned without delay.

For USPS mail submissions sent to: NC Secretary of State, Authentications Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622.
For courier services (FedEx, UPS, DHL) use the street address: 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Important: Documents received without a prepaid return envelope will be delivered by regular mail to a US address only. International applicants must include a prepaid international courier label to ensure return delivery outside the United States. A prepaid courier label must be obtained and paid for online at the time of printing - handwritten or typed labels with account information are not accepted.

Option 3: Using a Third-Party Apostille Service

If you'd prefer hands-on support or are unfamiliar with apostille procedures, using a third-party apostille service can simplify the entire process. These professionals, like Globeia, can assist with document review, notarization guidance, in-person delivery to the Raleigh office, and international return shipping.

This is especially helpful for those overseas or managing complex paperwork, ensuring your documents meet North Carolina's exact standards while minimizing the risk of rejections or delays.

Please note that Globeia does not directly apostille official government documents and does not perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority. All apostille and authentication requests are submitted by our company to the designated competent government authority on your behalf.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Apostille in North Carolina?

Obtaining an apostille through the North Carolina Secretary of State is a straightforward process with a simple fee structure. Each document submitted, whether it's a birth certificate, power of attorney, school record, or legal affidavit, requires payment along with your application.

Accepted payment methods are check or money order payable to "North Carolina Secretary of State." Verify current accepted payment methods at sosnc.gov before submitting as options may have been updated. For mail-in requests, be sure to use payment methods that are accepted within the U.S. system. If you're submitting from overseas, international money orders drawn in U.S. dollars are typically required.

Note that cash is not accepted, and personal checks must be drawn from a U.S.-based bank. Third-party apostille services may offer assistance with the process for an additional fee, but using such a service is optional and not required by the state.

Carefully reviewing and preparing all components of your submission, including payment, ensures your request is processed efficiently and without delay.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Apostille in NC?

The processing time for an apostille in North Carolina depends largely on how you choose to submit your documents. For those who can visit the Secretary of State's office in Raleigh in person, same-day service is often available. If your paperwork is in perfect order, properly notarized, complete, and submitted during business hours, you can usually walk away with your apostilled documents that very day. However, delays can still happen due to office backlogs, holidays, or errors in submission, so it's wise to plan a buffer just in case.

If you're mailing your documents, whether from another state or another country, the standard processing timeline is typically about five business days from the date the NC Secretary of State receives your documents. This excludes mailing time both to and from the Raleigh office, which can add one to three weeks to the overall timeline depending on your location and postal service. Always use tracked mailing methods and factor in both transit times when planning around a deadline.

Third-party apostille services can often expedite the process by hand-delivering and retrieving documents on your behalf, particularly useful for urgent needs or international coordination. Keep in mind that if your paperwork requires translation or additional notarization, this will naturally extend the timeline. The best way to avoid delays is to review all requirements thoroughly before submission and to use tracked mailing methods when sending documents.

Conclusion

Getting an apostille in North Carolina doesn't have to be complicated, as long as you're prepared. The key is making sure your documents meet the state's specific requirements for notarization, certification, and translation (if applicable). Most delays happen because people overlook small technical details, like missing notary seals, incomplete forms, or forgetting to include return postage.

Once you have your paperwork in order, choosing your method of submission, in person, by mail, or through a professional service, comes down to your needs and schedule. Professional experts like Globeia offer apostille services for North Carolina and other USA states. They can also provide peace of mind if you're unsure about requirements or managing multiple documents.

With a little planning and attention to detail, the apostille process in North Carolina can be straightforward, fast, and stress-free, even when you're handling it from halfway around the world.

FAQs

How long does it take to get an apostille in North Carolina?

In-person submissions at the Raleigh office may be processed the same day if documents are correctly prepared, depending on workload and office volume. Mail submissions typically take around five business days, excluding shipping time. Always confirm current timelines at sosnc.gov or call 919-807-2140 before submitting.

How much does a North Carolina apostille cost?

The North Carolina Secretary of State charges $10 per document for apostille services. For adoption-related requests, a duplicate certified original may cost $5 if requested at the same time. Payments must be made via check or money order payable to the North Carolina Secretary of State. Verify current fees at sosnc.gov before submission.

Where do I send documents for a North Carolina apostille?

For USPS mail, send documents to: NC Secretary of State, Authentications Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622. For courier services like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, use: 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. In-person submissions are also accepted at the same Raleigh address during business hours.

Can I get a North Carolina apostille if I live outside the United States?

Yes, documents can be mailed to the NC Secretary of State from anywhere in the world. You must include a prepaid return shipping label for international courier delivery. Without it, documents may only be returned to a U.S. address via standard mail. Many applicants use a third-party apostille service like Globeia to manage the process remotely.

Do I need a separate apostille for each country?

Yes. Each apostille is issued for use in one destination country only. If the same document is required in multiple countries, separate apostille requests must be submitted for each country.

Can the NC Secretary of State apostille an FBI background check?

No. FBI background checks are federal documents and cannot be apostilled by the North Carolina Secretary of State. They must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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