Apostille
An Apostille is a form of authentication or certification that is used to validate the authenticity of a document issued in one country and intended for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In New York, the Secretary of State is responsible for issuing Apostilles. The Secretary of State’s office verifies the authenticity of the document and attaches the Apostille to it. This certification confirms that the document is genuine, the signature on it is authentic, and it has been issued by a competent authority.
Apostilles are commonly used for various types of documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational transcripts, powers of attorney, notarized documents, and more. The Apostille ensures that these documents will be recognized and accepted as valid in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
By affixing an Apostille to a document, it eliminates the need for further certification or legalization by consulates or embassies of the destination country.