Authentication Certificate: Preparing U.S. Documents for Non-Hague Countries
An authentication certificate is the document a U.S. authority attaches to a public document when it will be used in a country that is not a member of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms the seal and signature of the official or notary who signed the document.
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How it compares with an apostille
| Apostille | Authentication certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Countries in the Hague Convention | Countries not in the Convention |
| What it confirms | Seal and signature of the public official or notary | Seal and signature of the public official or notary |
The Kansas Secretary of State describes both this way: each confirms the seal and signature of a Kansas public official or notary, and the difference is whether the destination country is in the treaty. The State Department's guidance says the same split: for state documents going to a Hague country, the issuing state certifies the document, and for a non-Hague country an authentication certificate is required.
What this means for certificates
A state-issued birth, marriage or death certificate going to a non-Hague country will usually need this extra step. Kansas lists these records, and divorce decrees, among the documents it authenticates.
Other steps
The Kansas page says an apostilled document needs no legalization by a U.S. embassy or consulate in Hague countries. It does not say what happens for non-member countries. The embassy or consulate of the receiving country can tell you whether any further legalization is required.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues an authentication certificate?
For state documents, the state authority handles it. In Kansas, the Secretary of State does. Other states have their own offices and rules.
How do I know whether my country is a Hague member?
Check with the receiving country's embassy or the State Department. Membership changes over time.
Is it the same as notarization?
No. Notarization confirms the identity of a signer. An authentication certificate confirms the official's seal and signature.
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.
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