Documents
Documents you can apostille
Almost any U.S. public document can be apostilled for use abroad — the key is knowing which authority issues the apostille and what form the document needs to be in first. State-issued documents go to your state’s competent authority; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
Vital records
Certified copies of life-event records. Order the certified copy from the state vital-records office (or county/town clerk) first, then apostille it.
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Divorce decree (certified by the clerk of court)
Apostilled by: Your state's Secretary of State
Personal & legal documents
Private documents are notarized first; the apostille authenticates the notary, not your signature directly.
- Power of attorney
- Affidavit / sworn statement
- Single-status (no-record) affidavit for marriage abroad
- Parental / travel consent letters
Apostilled by: Your state's Secretary of State
Education documents
Diplomas and transcripts for foreign employers, universities, or licensing — usually notarized or issued as certified copies before the apostille.
- Diploma / degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Professional license / certification
Apostilled by: Your state's Secretary of State
Corporate & commercial
Business documents for international trade, foreign subsidiaries, or contracts. Some come as certified copies from the state's corporate division.
- Articles of incorporation / formation
- Certificate of good standing
- Board resolutions and bylaws
- Commercial and export documents
Apostilled by: Your state's Secretary of State
Federal documents
These are NOT apostilled by a state. They go to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
- FBI background check (Identity History Summary)
- Documents signed by a federal official
- Federal court records
Apostilled by: U.S. Department of State (Washington, DC)
Find the process for your state
The exact steps, fees, and processing time depend on the issuing state. Start with your state’s guide.
Need it done for you?
Rather not deal with the government paperwork yourself?
This guide is free to use. If you’d like a service to prepare, notarize where needed, and submit your documents for you — including federal documents and translations — tell us what you need and we’ll point you to the right help.