Wisconsin Apostille & Document Authentication
Wisconsin has two apostille authorities, but the destination and document type determine the useful route. A non-Convention authentication must go through the Secretary of State.
Apostille or authentication
Both the Secretary of State and Department of Financial Institutions can issue eligible apostilles. DFI requires original or certified documents, payment and one request form per destination country.
Use the proper record certification
Vital records need certified copies from their official custodian and must not be notarized. DFI’s school guidance distinguishes school-official notarized certifications from University of Wisconsin registrar-certified transcripts. A notary certifying a personal document copy must inspect and copy the original.
Online ordering still requires documents
A Secretary of State online order requires MyWisconsinID; payment is followed by delivery of the required documents and prepaid return envelope. That office accepts wet-ink stamped or embossed Wisconsin notarizations, not digital notarizations.
Service estimate
Premier’s typical other-state service estimate is 5–7 business days, subject to document review, the submission route and authority availability. Shipping time is additional. Confirm timing before committing to a deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apostille a notarized photocopy of a vital record?
No. Obtain the official certified record. Confirm whether the destination requires a particular record format or recent issue date.
Official sources
Reviewed on 2026-10-13
Premier document review and timing
Missouri service takes 24–48 hours; other-state service typically takes 5–7 business days. We confirm the estimate for your document and submission route. Federal timing is confirmed after document review. Shipping time is additional. These are Premier service estimates, not government guarantees.
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST. By appointment only.
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