Step-By-Step Apostille Instructions

An Apostille certification makes public documents (including translated documents) legally valid in foreign countries. It is a legal procedure that is available through the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

Apostilles can be get apostille in Ohio for a wide range of documents including legal, commercial, corporate and personal items such as certificates, transcripts, court papers, marriage licenses and patent applications. If you are attempting to use a document in a country that is not a member of the Apostille treaty, you should contact that country’s consulate directly.

How to Process Apostille Documents

Note that if the document requires notarization, it must be notarized before applying for an Apostille. You will need to locate a notary in your area who is approved by the state where you are living. Most states have lists of notary publics and their approved locations. In addition, some U.S. federal departments offer an authentication or apostille service for their own documents through the Department of State’s Authentication Office in Washington, D.C. Please check the website for that particular department for costs, requirements and instructions.