How to Get a Colorado Secretary of State Apostille in Denver: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Need an apostille on a Colorado document? Maybe you are getting married abroad, adopting a child from another country, applying for a job overseas, or setting up a business with international partners. Whatever the reason, a foreign country will not accept your document unless it carries an apostille from the state that issued it.

For documents from Colorado, that means going through the Colorado Secretary of State's office in Denver. This is the only office in the state that can attach an apostille to your birth certificate, marriage certificate, power of attorney, business document, or other notarized paper.

This blog talks about the entire process of getting a Colorado Secretary of State Apostille in Denver. You will learn which documents qualify, how to fill out the request form, what it costs, where to send it, and how long it takes to get your document back.

An apostille is a special certificate attached to official documents, verifying that they are authentic. It’s used internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention, of which Colorado is a member. Without an apostille, foreign authorities may not accept your documents, which could cause delays for marriages abroad, job applications, adoption procedures, or business dealings.

Check Colorado Apostille Process Explained: What You Need to Know in 2026

Common Documents That Require an Apostille in Denver

Not every document requires an apostille, but some common ones include:

• Marriage licenses/certificates
• Birth certificates
• Death certificates
• Powers of attorney
• Adoption dossiers
• Court orders
• Educational records

In Colorado, the Secretary of State is responsible for authenticating these documents so they are recognized in other countries.

Eligibility Checklist to Get an Apostille from Colorado

Before you go to the Colorado Secretary of State's office in Denver, check if your document actually qualifies. Your documents must fall into one of these three categories.

1. Documents Notarized by a Colorado Notary

If a Colorado notary signed and stamped your document, it may qualify. This covers things like power of attorney forms, affidavits, or signed statements. The notary must be currently licensed in Colorado, and their notarization must be done correctly.

2. Documents Certified by a Colorado Government Office

This includes documents certified by any of the following:

• Colorado Vital Records (for birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates)
• A Colorado State Court (for court orders, judgments, and similar legal papers)
• A County Clerk's office in Colorado (for county level records)

If your document has an official certification from one of these offices, it can be apostilled.

3. Business Documents Certified by the Colorado Secretary of State

If you have a business document, like Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Good Standing, and it was already certified by the Colorado Secretary of State, then it qualifies for an apostille too.

Colorado Secretary of State Apostille Office in Denver

• Denver Office Address, Contact, and Directions

The Colorado Secretary of State has its main office in downtown Denver. For anyone submitting documents in person, it’s important to know the exact address:

• Address: 1700 Broadway, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80290
• Phone: (303) 894-2200
• Email/Website: sos.state.co.us

The office is centrally located and accessible by public transportation. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby, but arriving early can save you time during busy hours.

• Office Hours and Best Time to Visit

The office generally operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Early mornings or mid-afternoons are ideal to avoid long queues. Planning your visit ensures a smooth, quick process.

The process of getting an apostille in Colorado can be broken down into five clear steps.

Step 1 – Obtain a Certified or Notarized Copy of Your Document

The first essential step is to obtain a certified or notarized copy of the document you wish to have apostilled. A certified copy is an official reproduction of the original document, bearing an official seal or stamp that certifies its authenticity. This is mandatory because foreign authorities only recognize documents with such certification for apostille purposes.

• For marriage certificates, request a certified copy from the County Clerk and Recorder's office in the county where the marriage took place.

• For birth certificates, these can be obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or the designated local county office.

• For business documents, get certified copies from the official website of the Secretary of State.

• Other documents, such as powers of attorney, court orders, or educational transcripts, must be notarized by a Colorado notary public if they are not originally certified by a government entity.

If your document is not already notarized and the receiving authority requires notarization, you must have it signed and sealed by a licensed Colorado notary public before proceeding. Notarization verifies the authenticity of signatures and copies and is a prerequisite for the Secretary of State to issue an apostille.

Step 2 – Complete the Colorado Apostille Request Form

Once you have your certified or notarized document, the next step is to fill out the official Apostille Request Form, which is available for download on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.

• The form requires you to provide:
• Your full name and contact information (including phone number and email)
• The type of document you are submitting (e.g., birth certificate, power of attorney)
• The country where the apostilled document will be used
• The number of documents to be apostilled

Pay close attention to detail when filling out this form. Ensure all names, dates, and spellings are exact and free from errors. Incorrect or incomplete information can delay the processing of your apostille. It is advisable to print the form and fill it out legibly by hand or complete it digitally before printing.

Step 3 – Prepare fees for the Apostille Service

There is a $5 fee per document for apostille services at the Secretary of State's office. This fee is payable by cash or check if submitting in person.

When submitting by mail, payment must be by check or money order payable to “Colorado Secretary of State.” Note that cash is not accepted through the mail. It is recommended to verify the latest fees and payment methods on the official Secretary of State website before submission, as fees are subject to change.

Having the payment ready and correctly made out will help prevent any delays or return of your documents.

Step 4 – Submit Your Apostille Application for the Denver Secretary of State

You can submit your apostille request using one of three methods:

• In-Person Submission: 

The most efficient way is to visit the Secretary of State's office in Denver at 1700 Broadway, Suite 200. Bring your certified or notarized document, the completed Apostille Request Form, and the payment. In-person submissions often qualify for same-day or next business day processing, especially if you arrive early and your documents are in order.

• Mail Submission: 

If you cannot visit Denver in person, you can mail your documents to the Secretary of State. Include your certified or notarized document, the completed request form, a check or money order for payment, and a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking. Mailing submission generally takes processing time and additional mailing time for the return, so plan accordingly.

• Third-Party Apostille Services: 

For those unable to handle the process personally or who require expedited service, private companies like Globeia in Denver specialize in apostille services. These professionals assist with document collection, notarization (if needed), submission, and return delivery. Using a third-party service can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors, though additional service fees apply, depending on the provider and turnaround time.

Step 5 – Receive Your Apostilled Document

After processing, the Secretary of State will attach the apostille certificate to your original certified or notarized document. This certificate verifies the authenticity of the signature or seal on the document, making it legally recognized in the foreign country specified on your request.

• If you submitted your apostille request in person, you can usually pick up your document the same day or the next business day.
• Mail submissions typically require a few days to weeks for processing, in addition to mailing time.
• Third-party services include tracking for the delivery of your apostilled documents, with timelines dependent on the selected service level.

Once you receive your apostilled document, it is ready for use anywhere in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Getting a Colorado apostille comes down to three things: a properly certified or notarized document, a completed request form, and the five dollar fee per document. Once you have those ready, you can walk into the Secretary of State's office in Denver, mail your documents in, or hand the process off to a service that handles it for you. Whichever way you choose, once your document has that apostille attached, it is ready to use anywhere in a country that recognizes the Hague Apostille Convention.

Need help getting started? Start your Colorado Apostille process here!