The North Carolina Secretary of State’s Authentication Office provides apostille services for public documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp the document bears.
When presenting North Carolina public documents abroad, an apostille ensures their recognition in other Hague Convention member countries. This streamlined process eliminates the need for further authentication by the U.S. Department of State, facilitating international legal and administrative procedures.
The following types of documents are eligible for apostille in North Carolina:
Please note that documents executed by diplomatic or consular agents and administrative documents dealing directly with commercial or customs operations (e.g., certificates of origin or import/export licenses) are not eligible for apostille under the Hague Convention.
The type of certification required depends on the destination country’s status regarding the Hague Convention:
Navigating the apostille process can be complex and time-consuming. Our professional apostille service offers:
By entrusting us with your apostille needs, you can be confident that your documents will be processed efficiently and accurately.
We provide apostille services throughout the entire state of North Carolina, including:
No matter where you are located within North Carolina, our services are accessible to you.
How do I obtain an apostille for my document in North Carolina?
To obtain an apostille, your document must be a certified copy or notarized by a North Carolina Notary Public. Submit the original document, along with a completed cover letter, appropriate payment, and a prepaid return envelope, to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Authentication Office.
Do I need to translate my document into English before obtaining an apostille?
Yes, if your document is in a language other than English, you must provide a certified or notarized English translation.
Can I apostille a copy of a document?
Yes, but you must include a notarized affidavit stating that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
Are there any documents that do not require notarization before obtaining an apostille?
Yes, documents issued by certain North Carolina state agencies, such as the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Superior Courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others, do not require additional notarization
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