Authenticating documents for foreign use is known either as an "apostille" for Hague Convention member countries, or a "certificate of authenticity" for Non-Hague Convention members.
These certifications are used by many international governments for verifying the authenticity of documents. When the document is going to be used in another country, document authentication might need to be done. This is a common request when applying for dual citizenship, conducting business from one country to another, legal procedures, international banking, real estate, marriage, studying abroad, and all other personal, and business matters.
Examples of documents that are often authenticated are birth, marriage, and death certificates, legal documents, corporate documents, property documents, and school records.
We offer a FREE Pre-Check Service, in which we will examine your documents to ensure that they are suitable for authentication. You will pay after we confirm that your documents are ready. Our specialists will monitor your documents and update you carefully during the whole process. Appointments for apostille and authentications are available remotely through our online notarization portal, or in person. Text or email us for additional information and appointment bookings.
New York Apostille and Authentication Rush Service
Apostille & Authenticate your documents with the New York Department of State, Secretary of State, in 3-5 Business Days with our expedited service. The standard turn-around in New York is currently 14-21 business days. Specific eligibility criteria are required. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (917) 453-7358 to learn more.
*As of November 7, 2022, the New York Department of State is averaging 14-21 business days to process the authentication.
Apostille and Authentication Service options
Apostille
New York Secretary of State
- All Documents accepted. Legal Documents, Academic Records, Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Licenses, and more.
- Completed Apostille from New York State within 14-21 Business Days
- Apostille copy emailed PDF
- Notary Public, County Clerk, State Application, and Administration Fees included.
- USPS Priority Shipping included.
- Document Translation Available
- Express & International Shipping Available
Apostille Expedited
New York Secretary of State
- Legal and Academic Documents
- Completed Apostille from the state of New York within 3-5 Business Days
- Apostille copy emailed PDF
- Notary Public, County Clerk, State Application, and Administration Fees included.
- USPS Priority Shipping included.
- Document Translation Available
- Express & International Shipping Available
Apostille Federal
US Department of State
- FBI Background checks, IRS documents, Certificates to Foreign Governments, Naturalization documents
- Completed Apostille from Federal Agency within 10-11 Business Weeks
- Apostille copy emailed PDF
- Notary Public, County Clerk, State Application, Federal, and Administration Fees included.
- USPS Priority Shipping included.
- Document Translation Available
- Express & International Shipping Available
Apostille / Legalization Document Types
Document types include but are not limited to
- Legal Notarized Documents
- U.S. issued Marriage Certificates
- U.S. issued Divorce Decrees
- U.S. issued Court Orders
- School / University Transcripts
- School / University Diplomas
- Certified Copies of Deeds
- Notarized photocopy of Driver's License or Passport.
- U.S. issued Death Certificates
- U.S. issued Birth Certificates
- FBI Background Check
- Fingerprinting

Birth Certificates and Death Certificates originating in New York State require an additional “EXEMPLIFICATION” letter to be included for a successful Apostille. This letter can be obtained by contacting New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene located at 125 Worth St, New York, NY 10013 or visiting Vitalchek.com.