If you have a document issued by a government entity, such as an FBI criminal background check, that needs to be authenticated for use abroad (in a country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention), it may need an apostille. The apostille is a certificate attached to the document that certifies its authenticity and jurisdiction, and it replaces the need for the original document to be notarized in both the United States and the country where it is used. URL :https://apostille-usa.com/apostille-federal-documents/

The Department of State’s Authentication Office can provide an authentication (apostille) for many federal documents. This service is available by mail, in person at the Walk-In Counter or by prescheduled appointment. You can find out what documents require an apostille and the cost of obtaining one from the Department of State’s Authentication website.

Apostille for Federal Rulings: How to Authenticate Court Decisions Abroad

If you are a citizen of a foreign country, you must contact the competent authority in that country to obtain an apostille for your document. See the list of Competent Authorities at the website for more information.

For documents not related to a federal case, you must contact the agency that issued the document to obtain an apostille. In most cases, this will be your home state. For example, a New York State birth certificate or marriage license must be apostilled by the New York Secretary of State’s office.

As an American, it is important to understand how the apostille process works to ensure that your documents are prepared properly for international use. Missing key documents such as an apostille for an FBI background check can be kryptonite in the pursuit of second citizenship. If you need help navigating this process, book an introductory consultation with Malakouti Law to get started today.