Authentication of Public Documents: Apostille or Certificate of Authentication

When a document is to be used in a foreign country, it may be necessary to have the document authenticated. An authentication certifies the signature and the capacity of the official who has executed the document. The authentication may also authenticate the seal of the official.

The New York State Secretary of State authenticates public documents for use in foreign countries. Only public documents issued in New York State, which are signed by a notary public or other public official (i.e. County Clerk or other State official), will be authenticated. The country of destination determines whether the authentication is in the form of an "Apostille" or a "Certificate of Authentication".
A Certificate of Authentication is issued by New York Secretary of State to authenticate public document for use in any country which is not a member of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

Please Note: Certificates of Authentication may also require an additional certification from the United States Department of State prior to submission to the foreign country.

An Apostille or Certificate of Authentication issued by the New York State Secretary of State is a one-page document with a blue laser printed facsimile of the New York State Department of State Seal. Both the Apostille and Certificate of Authentication include the facsimile signature of the Secretary of State or his/her deputy.
    The office where you may obtain a copy of a Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce Record (vital record), will depend on where the original document was filed. To determine the appropriate office to obtain the vital record we suggest you refer to the New York State Department of Health.

    Please Note: Birth certificates issued from the New York City Department of Health will also require a Letter of Exemplification. Therefore you must request a Letter of Exemplification when requesting a birth certificate. Both the birth certificate and the Letter of Exemplification will need to be certified by the New York County Clerk prior to submission to the New York State Department of State.