What Documents Can Be Apostilled? A Complete List

Understanding Apostille-Eligible Documents

Not every document can receive an apostille. To qualify, a document must be a public document — meaning it was issued by a government authority, notarized by a commissioned notary public, or certified by a court. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of documents that can be apostilled in Missouri.

Vital Records

• Birth certificates — Must be certified copies from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records or county recorder
• Death certificates — Certified copies from the state or county
• Marriage certificates — Issued by the county recorder of deeds
• Divorce decrees — Certified by the issuing court

These are the most commonly apostilled documents, especially for immigration and visa applications.

Educational Documents

• College diplomas and transcripts — Must bear the institution's original seal or be notarized copies
• High school diplomas — Same requirements as college documents
• Professional certifications — If issued by a state agency or notarized
• Letters of enrollment or good standing — When notarized by a Missouri notary

Legal and Court Documents

• Court orders and judgments — Certified by the clerk of court
• Adoption papers — Certified by the issuing court
• Power of attorney documents — When notarized by a Missouri notary
• Affidavits and sworn statements — Notarized originals
• Criminal background checks — State-level (Missouri Highway Patrol); FBI checks require U.S. Department of State

Corporate and Business Documents

• Articles of incorporation — Certified by the Secretary of State
• Certificates of good standing — Issued by the Secretary of State
• Corporate resolutions — When notarized
• Commercial invoices — When notarized or certified by a chamber of commerce

Personal Documents

• Notarized copies of passports — The notarized copy can be apostilled, not the passport itself
• Name change documents — Court-ordered name changes
• Immigration support letters — When notarized
• Medical records — When notarized by a Missouri notary

Documents That Cannot Be Apostilled

• Unsigned or unsealed documents
• Documents notarized in another state (must be apostilled in that state)
• Federal documents (require U.S. Department of State authentication)
• Documents destined for non-Hague Convention countries (require embassy legalization)

Need Help with Your Documents?

If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, contact our team for a free assessment. We review hundreds of documents monthly and can guide you through the Missouri apostille process quickly and accurately.