South · DE
The First State
How to get an apostille in Delaware
In Delaware, apostilles are issued by the Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications). Here is the process, the state fee, how long it takes, and what a Delaware apostille looks like.
- Capital
- Dover
- Governor (2026)
- Matt Meyer
- State flower
- Peach Blossom
- State bird
- Delaware Blue Hen
Apostille signed by Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications)
Step-by-step: an apostille in Delaware
- 01
Confirm the document is Delaware-issued or notarized by a Delaware notary public.
- 02
If your document is a private document (power of attorney, affidavit, diploma, corporate paperwork), have it notarized first — the Delaware Secretary of State authenticates the notary's commission, not your signature directly. Vital records and court documents skip this step (they are certified by the issuing office instead).
- 03
For corporate documents (Delaware is a major incorporation state), order a certified copy from the Division of Corporations first.
- 04
Complete the authentication request and identify the destination country.
- 05
Submit by mail or in person with the fee and a prepaid return envelope.
- 06
Receive your apostille or certificate of authentication.
Delaware apostille fees & processing time
| Competent authority | Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications) |
|---|---|
| State fee | $3–$30 per document depending on type (corporate documents differ from personal) |
| Processing time | Delaware is known for fast corporate-document turnaround; many requests are processed within days. |
| Mailing / submission | Mail to the Delaware Secretary of State, Notary/Authentications, in Dover (verify the current address online). Corporate documents are routed through the Division of Corporations. Include the fee, destination country, and prepaid return postage. |
Documents commonly apostilled in Delaware
- Corporate documents — certificates of good standing, incorporation, and formation (Delaware is the leading U.S. incorporation state)
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Powers of attorney and affidavits
- Diplomas and transcripts
Federal documents (such as an FBI background check) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Delaware.
Specimen
What a Delaware apostille looks like
A Delaware apostille contains the standard 10 fields required by the Hague Convention, naming the Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications) as the issuing authority. Below is an illustrative specimen — it is not a valid document and contains no real data.
See specimens for all states →- 1.Country United States of America
- 2.has been signed by [NAME OF SIGNER]
- 3.acting in the capacity of [CAPACITY — e.g. Notary Public]
- 4.bears the seal / stamp of [ISSUING OFFICIAL / SEAL]
- 5.at [CITY / PLACE]
- 6.the [DATE]
- 7.by Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications)
- 8.No. 0000000
- 9.Seal / Stamp [OFFICIAL SEAL]
- 10.Signature [SIGNATURE]
Delaware apostille FAQ
- Why is Delaware so common for corporate apostilles?
- Delaware is the leading U.S. state for incorporation, so a large share of its apostilles are for corporate documents like certificates of good standing used in international business.
- How fast is a Delaware apostille?
- Delaware is known for quick turnaround, particularly on corporate documents. Confirm current processing times and any expedited options on the official page.
Not legal advice. This guide is general information about the Delaware apostille process and may not reflect the latest fees, addresses, or procedures — always confirm with the Delaware Secretary of State — Notary/Apostille (Authentications) via the official source above. The specimen shown is an illustrative example, not an official document.
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