An Apostille (pronounced “ah-po-steel”) is a French word meaning certification.
An Apostille is simply the name for a specialized certificate, issued by the Secretary of State. The Apostille is attached to your original document to verify it is legitimate and authentic so it will be accepted in one of the other countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In the United States, all 50 states and the Federal Government (US Department of State – Office of Authentication) can issue an Apostille.
When a document is to be used in a foreign country, it may be necessary to have the document authenticated. An authentication certifies the signature and the capacity of the official who has executed the document. The authentication may also authenticate the seal of the official. Most member countries agree that a document which has been legalized with an Apostille Certificate in its country of origin will be accepted in any other member country. This removes the need for further evidence to be obtained to prove the documents authenticity.
The Secretary of State’s office provides authentication of public official signatures on documents to be used outside the United States of America. The country of destination determines whether the authentication is an Apostille or Certification.
The US Department of State – Office of Authentication authenticates signatures on all Federal Documents including documents which have received a certificate from their respective state.
Apostilles and Certifications only certify to the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. The Apostille or Certification does not validate the contents of the document.
Yes, On the Go Notary NJ will notarize the document *free of charge. (Must be local in-person notarization.)
If the document is already notarized, it must be properly notarized by a New Jersey notary. The original document is needed to present to the office of the Secretary of State.
