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How to Get an Apostille in New York

An apostille certifies your document for use in foreign countries. New York issues apostilles through the Secretary of State. Here is exactly how the process works and what it costs.

Hague Convention country required

Apostilles are only valid for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. Verify the destination country is a member before starting the process. Check the Hague Conference website for the current member list.

The NY Apostille Process - Step by Step

1

Determine which type of document you have

The process differs based on document type. Notarized documents go through County Clerk then DOS. State-issued documents (birth certificates, court records) may go directly to DOS. Federal documents require the U.S. State Department.

2

Notarize the document (if required)

Private documents (affidavits, corporate documents, powers of attorney) must first be notarized by a commissioned NY notary. The notary's signature and seal must be current and legible.

3

County Clerk authentication (for notarized docs)

Bring the notarized document to the County Clerk in the county where the notary is commissioned. The Clerk certifies the notary's signature. Fee: typically $3-10. This step is required before submitting to the DOS.

4

Submit to NY Secretary of State

Send the authenticated document to the NY DOS Division of Licensing Services. Include the $10 fee per document and a self-addressed envelope for return. In-person processing available at Albany and NYC DOS offices.

5

Receive the apostille

The DOS attaches the apostille certificate to your document. This is the official certification that makes the document valid in Hague Convention countries. The apostille includes the name of the official who signed, the seal, date, and apostille number.

NY Apostille Fees and Processing Times

ServiceFeeTime
DOS apostille fee$10/document2-4 weeks (mail)
DOS apostille (in person - Albany)$10/documentSame day
DOS apostille (in person - NYC)$10/documentSame or next day
County Clerk authentication$3-10 (varies)Same day
Notarization fee$2/act + travelVaries
Third-party apostille service$75-200 total1-5 business days

Common Documents That Need NY Apostilles

Personal Documents

  • +Birth certificates
  • +Marriage certificates
  • +Divorce decrees
  • +Death certificates
  • +Adoption records
  • +Driver's license (notarized copy)

Legal Documents

  • +Powers of attorney
  • +Affidavits
  • +Court judgments and orders
  • +Criminal background checks
  • +Notarized translations
  • +Wills and estate documents

Educational Documents

  • +Diplomas and degrees
  • +Transcripts
  • +Professional licenses
  • +Certifications
  • +Letters of good standing

Business Documents

  • +Corporate certificates
  • +Articles of incorporation
  • +Good standing certificates
  • +Board resolutions
  • +Commercial invoices

Always verify the destination country requirements

Some countries require additional steps beyond the apostille (translation, embassy legalization). Always confirm exact requirements with the receiving party or institution in the destination country before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

An apostille is a certification that authenticates a document for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature and seal of the official who signed the document. Over 120 countries accept apostilles.
For most documents: (1) Have the document notarized by a NY notary, (2) Have the notary's signature authenticated by the County Clerk, (3) Submit to the NY Secretary of State for the apostille. The NY DOS also accepts direct submissions for certain official documents.
The NY Secretary of State charges $10 per apostille. County authentication fees vary by county, typically $3-10. Total cost for a notarized document is usually $15-25 in government fees plus any notary fees.
Mail processing at the NY Secretary of State typically takes 2-4 weeks. In-person processing in Albany or NYC can be completed same-day or next-day. Expedite services are available through third-party apostille agencies for faster turnaround.
Yes. The NY DOS has an office in NYC at 123 William Street, Manhattan where apostilles can be processed in person. For mail submissions, documents go to the Albany office. Many notaries and apostille services will also handle the entire process for you.
An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (120+ countries). Authentication/legalization (going through the State Department and foreign embassy) is used for countries NOT in the Hague Convention. Always check which process the destination country requires.

Need a Notary for Your Apostille?

Most apostille documents need to be notarized first. Find a NY notary who handles apostille-related services in our directory.

Find an Apostille Notary