New York's One-Stop Notary Public, Apostille, & Translation Service

NY Notary Public Services provides professional Apostille and Authentication services for documents being used outside the United States.

We assist individuals, law firms, corporations, and international clients with document legalization for international use. We handle Apostilles issued by the New York Secretary of State, Apostilles and Authentications from all 50 U.S. states, and federal documents processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.

Outside New York or Outside the United States? We Can Help

Many of our Apostille and Authentication clients are not physically located in New York. We regularly assist clients across the United States and abroad who need documents prepared for international use.

Depending on the document and destination country, we can often coordinate document review, Remote Online Notarization when eligible, Apostille processing, authentication, embassy or consulate legalization, digital scans, and domestic or international shipping without requiring you to travel to New York.

This is especially helpful for clients living overseas, international businesses, law firms, families handling immigration or citizenship matters, and individuals who need U.S. documents accepted by a foreign authority.

How the Apostille Process Works

• Email your documents in PDF format for review
• We confirm eligibility, service level, timeline, and pricing
• Notarization, court certification, or verification is completed if required
• Your Apostille or Authentication is obtained
• Digital scans are provided, followed by domestic or international shipping

Every request begins with a document review to ensure your paperwork is prepared correctly before submission—this helps prevent delays and rejections.

For many New York documents, an Apostille cannot be issued until the document is first certified by the appropriate County Clerk. This requirement varies by document type and where it was issued or notarized. When County Clerk certification is required, we handle this step as part of the Apostille process after document review—helping prevent rejections and delays.

Service Levels & Turnaround Times

Priority Apostille Service (2–3 Business Days):

This service is primarily available for documents processed through the New York Secretary of State, subject to document type and eligibility, once documents are reviewed and approved.

While we assist with Apostilles from all 50 U.S. states, turnaround times for other states vary and are typically considered standard unless otherwise confirmed. In some cases, priority service may be available for select out-of-state documents. Availability and timelines are confirmed after document review.

Same-day Apostille Service:

Same-day service is available on a limited basis and is strictly reserved for eligible documents processed through the New York Secretary of State.

• Same-day cutoff: Documents must be received and approved by 11:00 AM (EST)
• If Remote Online Notarization is required: the notary appointment must be completed no later than 10:30 AM (EST) on the same day

If notarization is required before an Apostille can be issued, we can often complete the notarization remotely using New York Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing documents to be notarized securely online before same-day or expedited Apostille processing.

Copy Certifications and Certified True Copies:

Certain foreign authorities request that a notary certify that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.

Because New York notaries are generally not authorized to perform copy certifications, we often utilize alternative approaches such as copy certification affidavits, where the signer swears under oath that the attached copy is true and accurate.

However, some foreign authorities specifically require a notary-authorized copy certification. In those situations, we may be able to coordinate compliant alternatives through trusted out-of-state partners, depending on the destination country's requirements.

If you have received instructions requesting a certified true copy, please send us the instructions and the document for review before proceeding.

Federal document processing (Washington, DC): Certain documents — including FBI background checks, naturalization certificates, trademarks, and other federally issued records — must be processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. We provide in-person federal Apostille and Authentication submission and pickup to shorten turnaround times compared to mail-in processing.

Related: Federal Apostille & Authentication  |  FBI Background Check Apostille

Commonly Processed Documents

• Notarized legal documents, including RON-completed documents
• Birth certificates from all 50 states
• Death certificates from all 50 states
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees and court orders
• School transcripts and diplomas
• Corporate records and business filings
• FBI background checks
• Notarized affidavits
• Powers of attorney
• Single Status Affidavits for marriage abroad

Federal documents such as FBI Identity History Summary Reports require U.S. Department of State authentication prior to Apostille or embassy legalization.

Corporate documents such as Certificates of Good Standing and incorporation records are frequently Apostilled for international business, banking, and compliance purposes.

International & Non-Hague Countries

Apostille and Authentication requirements depend on the destination country.

Hague Convention Countries: Documents used in Hague Convention countries require an Apostille. View Hague Convention Country List.

Non-Hague Countries: Documents used in Non-Hague countries require Authentication and Consular Legalization. View Non-Hague Country List.

Non-Hague destination? See Embassy & Consulate Legalization.

Country requirements may change. All requests are verified at the time of submission to ensure compliance with current international regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apostille Services

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certificate issued by a designated government authority that verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be accepted in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.

How do I know if I need an Apostille or Authentication?

The answer depends on the country where the document will be used. Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention generally require an Apostille. Countries that are not members typically require Authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization.

If you're unsure, send us the destination country and any instructions you received, and we can review the requirements before proceeding.

What countries accept Apostilles?

More than 120 countries participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is a member, an Apostille is generally sufficient.

You can review our Hague Convention Country List. Requirements can change, so we verify them at the time of submission.

What if my country is not part of the Hague Convention?

If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, your documents may require Authentication and embassy or consular legalization instead of an Apostille.

You can review our Non-Hague Convention Country List. Depending on the country, we can often coordinate the process from start to finish, including state authentication, federal authentication, and embassy submissions.

For non-Hague destinations, see our Embassy & Consulate Legalization services.

How long does Apostille processing take?

Turnaround times depend on the document type, the issuing authority, the destination country, and whether expedited service is available.

Many New York Apostille requests can be completed within a few business days once documents have been reviewed and approved. Certain federal and out-of-state documents require additional time. Specific turnaround estimates are confirmed during document review.

Can I rush an Apostille?

Yes. Expedited processing is available for many New York Apostille requests, subject to eligibility and document type.

Same-day service may be available for qualifying New York documents received before the applicable cutoff time.

Do I need to be in New York?

No. Many of our clients live outside New York and outside the United States. Depending on the matter, we can coordinate the Apostille process remotely and arrange domestic or international shipping.

Can you assist clients outside the United States?

Yes. We regularly work with clients around the world who need U.S. documents prepared for use overseas.

Depending on the matter, we can coordinate Remote Online Notarization when eligible, Apostille processing, Authentication, embassy legalization, and international shipping.

What documents can be Apostilled?

Common examples include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court records, school records and diplomas, FBI background checks, corporate documents, powers of attorney, affidavits, and notarized documents.

If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, send it to us for review.

Can you Apostille FBI background checks?

Yes. FBI Identity History Summary Reports require processing through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.

We provide in-person federal submission and pickup services to help shorten turnaround times compared to traditional mail-in processing. See our FBI Background Check Apostille service for more information.

Can documents notarized through Remote Online Notarization (RON) be Apostilled?

Yes. Many documents notarized using New York Remote Online Notarization can proceed through the Apostille process once eligibility and any additional requirements are confirmed.

If you have not yet completed the notarization, we can often coordinate both the RON appointment and the Apostille process as part of the same workflow.

Can you certify that a copy of my document is a true and accurate copy?

New York notaries are generally not authorized to certify copies of documents as true copies of the originals.

In many situations, we can instead prepare a copy certification affidavit in which the signer swears under oath that the attached copy is true and accurate.

However, certain foreign authorities specifically require a notary-authorized copy certification. In those situations, we may be able to coordinate compliant alternatives through trusted out-of-state partners, depending on the requirements involved.

Please send us the instructions you received so we can review the appropriate options before proceeding.

Can you review my documents before I place an order?

Absolutely. Every request begins with document review. We confirm eligibility, requirements, timelines, and the appropriate workflow before proceeding.

This review-first approach helps prevent delays, unnecessary expenses, and rejected submissions.

What if I don't know exactly what I need?

That's perfectly fine. Many clients receive instructions from foreign governments, attorneys, banks, schools, employers, or consulates and aren't sure what they mean.

Simply send us the instructions and supporting documents. We can review the information and help determine the appropriate next steps.

Do Apostilles expire?

Technically, Apostilles generally do not expire.

However, the underlying document may be subject to validity requirements imposed by the receiving country, institution, or agency. For example, some foreign authorities prefer recently issued vital records, FBI background checks, or Certificates of Good Standing. If timing is a concern, we can review your situation and advise accordingly.

Can you Apostille documents from all 50 states?

Yes. We assist with Apostille requests originating from all 50 states.

Requirements and turnaround times vary by jurisdiction and are confirmed after document review.

Real-World Apostille Case Studies

The examples below are based on common types of Apostille, Authentication, legalization, notarization, translation, and international document requests we handle. Client identities and specific details are kept confidential.

France – Marriage Certificate Retrieval and Apostille

A client living outside the United States needed a New York marriage certificate prepared for use in France. Because the client did not already have the certificate, we first obtained the official extended marriage certificate on the client's behalf. Once received, we coordinated the Apostille process and provided digital scans before arranging delivery of the completed documents.

Key takeaway: Many international clients are surprised to learn they do not necessarily need to obtain the marriage certificate themselves. In certain situations, we can coordinate the retrieval of the official New York marriage certificate and the Apostille process as part of the same workflow.

Italy – Birth Certificate Apostille and Italian Translation for Citizenship Purposes

A client pursuing Italian citizenship needed a U.S. birth certificate prepared for use in Italy. We reviewed the issuing state's requirements, coordinated the Apostille process, and assisted with the required Italian translation so the document package could be submitted according to the instructions provided by the foreign authority.

Key takeaway: Citizenship matters frequently require recently issued records, Apostille processing, and certified translations that comply with the destination country's requirements. Reviewing the entire workflow in advance can help avoid delays and duplicate work.

United Arab Emirates – Authentication and Embassy Legalization

A corporate client required documents for use in the United Arab Emirates, which is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The matter involved New York Authentication, federal authentication through Washington, DC, and coordination relating to embassy legalization requirements at the UAE Consulate.

Key takeaway: Non-Hague countries often require additional legalization steps beyond a traditional Apostille. Understanding the complete embassy and consulate legalization process from the beginning can save significant time and frustration.

Brazil – Remote Notarization, Apostille, and International Shipping

A client located outside New York needed documents notarized and prepared for international use. We coordinated Remote Online Notarization when eligible, Apostille processing, digital scans, and international shipping to help complete the process without requiring the client to travel.

Key takeaway: Many international clients can complete the process remotely, depending on the document involved. Geographic distance does not necessarily prevent a matter from being handled efficiently.

India – Corporate Expansion and International Business Use

A New York software company expanding operations in India needed corporate documents prepared for international use, including a Certificate of Good Standing and Apostille processing. We reviewed the requirements and coordinated the necessary steps to support the company's overseas business activities.

Key takeaway: Corporate Apostille matters often involve banking, registrations, KYC requirements, and international expansion. Early planning helps businesses avoid delays when entering new markets.

Germany – Court Records, Supporting Documents, and Certified Copy Solutions Under a Deadline

A client needed New York court records and several supporting New York documents prepared for use in Germany within a limited timeframe. During the review process, the matter also required a certified true copy solution that was not available under New York notarial authority alone. We coordinated the necessary certifications, Apostille processing, and a compliant out-of-state certified copy solution to help the client meet the foreign authority's requirements and deadline.

Key takeaway: International matters can involve multiple documents, strict timelines, and country-specific requirements. Early review helps identify potential issues and allows compliant solutions to be coordinated before delays occur.

Dominican Republic – Single Status Affidavit for Marriage Abroad

A client planning to marry in the Dominican Republic was instructed to provide documentation confirming that they were legally free to marry. We prepared the required Single Status Affidavit, coordinated the notarization process, obtained the Apostille, and provided the completed documents for international use before the client's travel date.

Key takeaway: Requirements for marriage abroad vary significantly by country. Reviewing the destination country's instructions in advance can help ensure the correct documents are prepared and Apostilled before departure.

Shipping & Delivery

• Domestic shipping available
• International shipping available worldwide
• Messenger pickup and delivery available in Manhattan
• Digital scans provided at key stages of the process