In Missouri, the apostille process is essential for validating documents for international use. An apostille is a certificate issued by the Missouri Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of a document’s signature, seal, or stamp. This process is crucial for documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and court orders to be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
To obtain an apostille in Missouri, you must first ensure that your document is issued in Missouri. Then, the document must be notarized by a Missouri notary public. Once notarized, the document can be submitted to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office along with a request for an apostille. The Secretary of State will then attach the apostille to the document, certifying its authenticity.
The apostille process in Missouri helps facilitate international transactions, such as adoption, marriage, and employment, by verifying the legitimacy of important documents. Understanding this process is crucial for individuals and businesses needing to authenticate their documents for use abroad.