Understanding Document Authentication
When you need to use a U.S. document in another country, that country needs assurance that the document is genuine. An apostille provides this assurance by certifying that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is authentic.
What Documents Can Be Apostilled?
Common documents that require apostilles include:
State vs Federal Apostilles
Documents issued by state authorities (like birth certificates) receive apostilles from the Secretary of State. Federal documents (like FBI background checks) receive apostilles from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
The Hague Convention
The Hague Apostille Convention, established in 1961, simplified the process of authenticating documents for international use. It has 130 contracting parties. Destination eligibility depends on entry-into-force dates and whether the Convention applies between the countries involved.
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