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How to Apostille a Document in Minnesota

Apostille Services in Minnesota

If you need to use official documents from Minnesota in another country, you may be asked to have them “apostilled.” Apostilles verify the authenticity of documents issued in the United States for use abroad under the Hague Convention. Our professional apostille service helps residents and businesses in Minnesota navigate this process quickly, securely, and in full compliance with state and international requirements.

With years of experience managing apostille requests across all 50 states, we are well-versed in Minnesota’s specific apostille regulations and procedures. Whether you’re handling legal matters, international adoptions, overseas education, or global business transactions, our trusted service ensures your documents are processed correctly the first time.

Why Apostille Your Document?

An apostille is a special form of authentication issued by the Secretary of State that certifies the origin of a public document for use in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Without an apostille, your document may not be accepted abroad, potentially causing delays in personal, legal, or business matters. Apostilles ensure:

  • Legal validity of U.S.-issued documents abroad
  • Recognition by over 120 Hague Convention countries
  • Simplified international use of public documents without needing further legalization by embassies or consulates

If the destination country is not a Hague member, a Certificate of Authentication may be required instead.

What Documents Can Be Apostilled in Minnesota?

According to the Minnesota Secretary of State, the following types of documents are commonly eligible for apostille:

Personal Documents

  • Birth and death certificates (issued by the MN Department of Health or county)
  • Marriage certificates and divorce decrees
  • Adoption records
  • Background checks (MN BCA or FBI)
  • Power of attorney
  • Passport copies (notarized)

Academic Documents

  • High school diplomas and transcripts
  • College and university records (must be notarized by the registrar or signed before a notary)

Business and Legal Documents

  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business agreements
  • Notarized affidavits
  • Court judgments

Important: In Minnesota, only original certified documents or properly notarized copies are eligible for apostille. Photocopies without notarization are not accepted. Always verify whether your document must first be notarized or issued directly by a public agency.

Apostille vs. Certificate of Authentication

While both documents serve to validate U.S. documents for international use, the choice between an apostille and a certificate of authentication depends on the destination country:

Apostille:

  • Used for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention
  • Issued by the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Simplifies the legalization process

Certificate of Authentication

  • Used for countries not in the Hague Convention
  • May require further legalization by the U.S. Department of State and foreign embassies
  • Involves multiple steps

If you’re unsure which you need, we can help determine the correct process based on your destination country.

Why Choose Our Apostille Service in Minnesota?

Navigating government forms, notarizations, and international requirements can be time-consuming and confusing. Our service is designed to eliminate that burden. Here’s why Minnesotans trust us:

  • Experience with Minnesota documents and Secretary of State procedures
  • End-to-end assistance, from document review to final apostille
  • Strict compliance with Minnesota and federal regulations
  • Secure handling of personal and sensitive documents
  • Responsive customer support to guide you through each step

We treat every document with care and confidentiality, ensuring your paperwork is handled properly and recognized abroad without delays.

Service Areas in Minnesota

Our apostille services are available statewide. Whether you’re in a major city or a smaller town, we make it easy to access reliable document authentication.

We proudly serve all counties and cities in Minnesota, including:

  • Minneapolis
  • St. Paul
  • Rochester
  • Duluth
  • Bloomington
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Maple Grove
  • St. Cloud
  • Mankato
  • Eagan

And more. We assist clients throughout Hennepin, Ramsey, Olmsted, Stearns, and Anoka Counties and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apostille in Minnesota

Who issues apostilles in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office is the official authority responsible for issuing apostilles for documents originating in the state.

Can I apostille a photocopy of a document?
No. Only original certified documents or notarized copies are accepted for apostille in Minnesota.

Do academic documents need notarization before apostille?
Yes. Transcripts and diplomas must be notarized by the educational institution before submission.

How do I know if my destination country requires an apostille?
Check whether the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. We can assist in confirming the requirements for your specific situation.

Can I drop off my documents in person?
While the Minnesota Secretary of State accepts mail and in-person submissions, our service offers a secure and simplified process from anywhere in the state.

Start Your Apostille Process

Ready to apostille your Minnesota documents? We make the process stress-free, accurate, and compliant. Our experts will guide you step-by-step and ensure your documents are processed according to official state and international guidelines.

Contact us today to begin your apostille journey with confidence and peace of mind.