How do I obtain an Apostille or Authentication in New York?

All birth and death records originating from the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Kings, Manhattan , Queens, Staten Island ) must be certified together with a Letter of Exemplification by the New York City Department of Health. The original document must then be presented to the County Clerk 's Office in the county where the document was obtained to verify the signature on the Letter of Exemplification. The document can then be presented to the New York State Department of State for authentication.

All marriage records originating from the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Kings, Manhattan , Queens, and Staten Island ) must be obtained from the Marriage Bureau. Obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate with an original signature of the City Clerk. The document must then be presented to the County Clerk 's Office in the county where the document was obtained to verify the signature of the City Clerk. The document can then be presented to the New York State Department of State for authentication.

All birth, death, marriage and divorce records issued outside of the five counties of New York City can be obtained from the New York State Department of Health. The document can then be presented to the New York State Department of State for authentication.

Birth, death, marriage and divorce records issued outside of the five counties of New York City may also be obtained directly from the local registrar or town clerk of the city, town or village where the birth, death, marriage or divorce occurred. The original document must then be presented to the county clerk's office in the county where the document was obtained for certification. (It is suggested that you contact the county clerk's office prior to obtaining the records to determine if their office can certify documents obtained from a local authority.) The document can then be presented to the New York State Department of State for authentication.

Education documents (transcripts, diplomas or certificates) must be obtained from an official of the school, college or university who must certify that the document is an official record or a true copy of the original document. The official's signature must be notarized by a notary public. The document must then be presented to the County Clerk 's Office in the county where the notary public is qualified to certify the signature of the notary public. The document can then be presented to the New York State Department of State for authentication.

All other documents submitted to the New York State Department of State for authentication must first be notarized and then have the notary's signature certified at the county clerk's office where the notary is qualified. The county clerk's office will affix its seal and signature to the document.