We issue both apostilles and authentication certificates. We provide signed certificates of authenticity for a variety of documents to individuals, institutions, and government agencies to be used abroad. 

The country in which the document will be used determines the type of certificate needed:

• An apostille is for documents to be used in countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.
• Authentication certificates are for documents to be used in countries that do not participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

How to Request Authentications Service

To request authentications service, you must complete Form DS-4194.

• Authentications Certificate Requirements: How to prepare your document to be authenticated
• Requesting Authentication Services: How to request services by mail
• Apostille Requirements

Processing Times: We will process your request in 4 weeks from the date we receive it. We are offering mail-in service but we are not currently offering in-person appointment service.

Fees: Authentications fees are $20 per document for all services, including rejections and requests that are not ready to be processed by our office because they require additional certification. Fees are payable to the U.S. Department of State, and by check or money order. We cannot accept temporary, starter, or bank fill-in checks. All check numbers must be over 100, and dated within the last six months.