How to Get an Apostille in New Jersey: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Many New Jersey residents need an apostille when using U.S. documents abroad for immigration, employment, education, marriage, business, or legal purposes. If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents issued or notarized in New Jersey must be apostilled before they can be officially recognized overseas.

Understanding the apostille process can be confusing, especially when different document types have different certification requirements. Whether you need to apostille a birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, court record, power of attorney, or business document, following the correct process is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

This guide explains how to get an apostille in New Jersey (NJ), including document requirements, submission methods, processing considerations, common mistakes to avoid, and the role of the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), the authority responsible for issuing apostilles in the state.

In 1961, the Hague Apostille Convention introduced a simplified method of authenticating documents for international use. Countries that are part of this convention require only a single certification called an apostille. This certificate replaces the need for embassy or consulate legalizations, making it a faster and simpler process. For use in Hague Convention countries, an apostille generally eliminates the need for further embassy or consular legalization. 

Which Documents Can Be Apostilled in New Jersey? 

Some of the most commonly apostilled documents in New Jersey include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, court records, business documents, and notarized personal declarations. 

1. Vital Records

These include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce decrees

These documents generally must be submitted as certified copies issued by the appropriate New Jersey vital records authority. 

2. Educational Certificates

These include:

• Diplomas
• Degrees
• School transcripts
• Admission letters

They must be notarized by a New Jersey notary public and authorized by the educational institution.

3. Power of Attorney Documents

Power of attorney documents are commonly apostilled for international property transactions, business matters, legal representation, and financial affairs abroad. 

4. Court Records

These include:

• Court orders
• Legal judgments
• Documents signed and stamped by court officials

They must be certified by the issuing court and prepared in a format acceptable for an apostille.

5. Business Documents

Used when opening a branch or company overseas or starting an online business with international dealings. These documents can include:

• Certificates of incorporation
• Articles of organization
• Corporate resolutions

6. Private or Notarized Documents

Some personal or business documents not issued by government offices require notarization. This includes:

• Affidavits
• Consent letters
• Translation certifications

Only a New Jersey notary public can perform this notarization.

In New Jersey, the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) is the competent state authority responsible for issuing apostilles and certifications. These documents confirm the authenticity of signatures of New Jersey notaries public and selected public officials such as Superior Court judges, county clerks, and the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.

The Division issues an apostille for documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention, DORES issues a certification of the public official’s signature instead of an apostille.

For international document use, DORES recommends confirming requirements with the receiving country or reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of State before submission.

Office Location (DORES - New Jersey Apostille Services)

Note (important for accuracy in blogs)

• DORES processes apostille requests through mail-in and in-person submission (Trenton office).
• Always ensure you include the official order confirmation cover sheet when submitting documents.
• Processing is handled only by DORES in New Jersey.

For Apostille in New Jersey, your documents must meet all the official requirements set by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). Below are the most important rules you must follow:

1. Apostilles can be issued for documents notarized in New Jersey or issued/signed by authorized New Jersey public officials.  If your document is from another state, it needs to be apostilled there.
2. You must submit the original document; no photocopies, scans, or duplicates are allowed.
3. For vital records like birth, marriage, death, or divorce, make sure to get a certified copy from New Jersey’s Office of Vital Statistics or the State Archives.
4. Your document needs to be properly notarized, with a complete notarial certificate, an ink signature, and all the correct details.
5. All signatures must be original and done in ink. DORES doesn’t accept scanned, digital, or photocopied signatures.
6. If the document is not in English, DORES recommends attaching a notarized English translation prepared by a certified translator.
7. Apostilles are attached using staples and should not be removed, as this may affect the integrity of the document.
8. Double-check everything before you submit to avoid delays or rejection; most issues come from small mistakes like missing details or unofficial copies.
9. Notarized documents must include a complete notarial certificate with all required information, such as the notary’s name, signature, commission details, and date. Incomplete or incorrect certificates are a common reason for rejection.
10. Your preferred return method is selected during the online application process. Ensure your return preference is correctly indicated when completing the DORES online order before submitting your documents, which may take longer if you are using the mail option. 

Before you submit your documents, you must complete the online apostille request application on the official New Jersey DORES portal. Once you fill it out, you’ll receive an order confirmation sheet (cover sheet), which must be included with your documents.

This online order must be completed before submitting your documents by any method. The confirmation sheet generated by your online order is mandatory and must accompany your original documents whether you are submitting by mail, in person, or via express courier. A separate online order must be completed for each country where you intend to present your document. 

Important: DORES requires a separate online application for each country where you will be presenting your apostilled document. If you need the same document apostilled for use in two different countries, two separate online orders must be submitted. 

After completing the application, you have three ways to submit:

1. Submitting by Mail 

Mail submission is the most common option for applicants who are not in a hurry. After completing the online DORES application, you will receive a cover sheet that must be included with your documents.

Prepare your packet with your certified documents, cover sheet, and payment details. Your return method is selected during the online DORES application. Ensure your preference is correctly indicated before submitting your documents. 

Mail your documents to:

NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services

DORES will process the request and return documents based on the return method selected in your application.

2. Submitting In Person

If you require faster handling, you may submit documents in person at the DORES Customer Service Center:

33 West State Street, 5th Floor

Applicants must bring their original certified documents, cover sheet, and payment details. No appointment is typically required, but availability may vary depending on demand.

For expedited processing, documents must be delivered in person between 8:30am and 2:00pm Monday to Friday, or via express courier service such as UPS or FedEx to the same address. Please note that USPS is not accepted for expedited submissions. Expedited processing is completed the next business day. 

3. Using a Third-Party Service

Applicants who prefer assistance may use a third-party apostille coordination service such as Globeia. These services can assist with document review, application guidance, submission coordination, and status tracking throughout the process. All apostilles are issued exclusively by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). 

Apostille fees in New Jersey are set by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) and vary depending on document type and whether regular or expedited processing is selected. Current fees are listed on the official DORES portal and should be confirmed at the time of application as they are subject to change. The final cost depends on your document type and whether you choose regular or expedited processing. If you apply directly through DORES, you will pay the standard state fee per document, regardless of submission method. 

However, using a third-party service may add extra charges for convenience, guidance, and faster turnaround, which many people find helpful. These services often take care of the paperwork, check for errors, and ensure everything is submitted correctly. It’s a small added cost that can save time and avoid delays. Just make sure to review the latest fee details before applying. 

The time it takes to get an apostille in New Jersey depends on how you apply. If you submit by mail with regular processing selected, expect a processing time of 12–20 business days from the date DORES receives your documents. Expedited processing is available for in-person or express courier (UPS/FedEx) submissions and is processed the next business day. Regular processing applies to all other submissions regardless of delivery method.  A third-party coordination service can help ensure your documents are correctly prepared and submitted with the expedited option selected where applicable, reducing the risk of delays caused by documentation errors or incomplete submissions. DORES processing timelines apply equally regardless of whether you submit directly or through a coordinator. 

However, delays can happen. Incomplete forms, missing payments, incorrect notarization, or busy periods like holidays may slow things down. Submitting accurate documents and following the process carefully can help ensure faster results. If you're in a rush or unsure about the paperwork, using professional help can make the process smoother and save you time.

• Incorrect or missing return method selection: Ensure your preferred return method is correctly selected during the online DORES application process. Failing to indicate your return preference may result in documents being returned via standard mail, which may take longer.
• Missing or incomplete application form: Leaving out details or submitting an outdated form can result in processing delays or your application being rejected.
• Submitting photocopies or unofficial documents: Only original, certified, or notarized documents are accepted. Photocopies or scans will be rejected immediately.
• Foreign-language documents without a notarized translation: If your document isn’t in English, you must include a notarized English translation, or it won’t be processed.
• Incomplete payment or missing receipt: Incorrect payment amounts or failure to include the payment receipt will cause your application to be returned unprocessed

Following the requirements carefully is essential to ensure your process for an apostille in New Jersey goes smoothly. Small mistakes like missing documents or incomplete forms can lead to costly delays or outright rejection. That’s why it’s important to stay organized, follow every step, and double-check your paperwork before submission.

If you’re short on time or unsure about the process, using Globeia’s apostille coordination service in New Jersey can help simplify everything. They guide you through each step, review your documents, and handle the submission efficiently, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary stress. A little preparation now can save you weeks of delay, hundreds in lost fees, and bring peace of mind. Always review, verify, and take your time to do it right.