Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document so that another country that belongs to the 1961 Hague Convention will accept it as genuine. Under the Convention, it confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the signer acted and, where relevant, the identity of any seal or stamp. It does not vouch for the contents of the document.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
When you need one
You generally need an apostille when a U.S. document, such as a birth, marriage or death certificate, will be used in a country that is a member of the Convention. The apostille replaces the longer process of legalization by an embassy or consulate.
Who issues it
Who issues it depends on who issued the document:
- State documents. The State Department says no federal apostille is needed for these. For Hague countries, the document is certified by the state that issued it. Kansas, for example, lists its birth, marriage and death certificates and divorce decrees among the records its Secretary of State will apostille.
- Federal documents. The State Department issues the apostille, for example on FBI background checks and naturalization certificates.
Kansas states that a document with its apostille needs no further certification by the State Department and no legalization by a U.S. embassy or consulate in Hague member countries.
Apostille or authentication?
If the destination country is not in the Hague Convention, an authentication certificate is used instead. See the separate entries on authentication certificates and legalization. Fees, processing and document rules differ by state, so check with the issuing office.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as a notarization?
No. A notary confirms who signed a document. An apostille confirms the signature, capacity and seal of the public official so another country accepts the document.
Do I get the apostille from the vital records office?
Usually not. In the Kansas example the Secretary of State issues it. Rules vary by state.
Does the apostille make the document valid abroad?
It makes the document's origin acceptable in a member country. The receiving agency still decides whether the document meets its requirements.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
Most popular definitions
- Birth Certificate Number: What It Is and What the Digits Mean
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
- Authorized Requester: Who Can Order a Certified Vital Record
- Beneficiary: Who Receives Insurance, Accounts or an Estate
Recent definitions
- Adoption Birth Certificate: The New Certificate Issued After Adoption
- Affidavit of Birth: A Sworn Statement Used to Establish a Birth
- Amended Birth Certificate: What It Is and How It Appears
- Apostille: What It Is and When You Need One
- Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries