If your document is signed by one of the following officials, you must get an apostille certificate: 

• U.S. federal official 
• U.S. consular officer 
• Foreign consul registered with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Protocol
• Military notary or judge advocate 

Follow these steps to get the apostille certificate from our office:

1. Make sure your document is an original or certified copy
   • A certified copy is a copy of a primary document with a certificate on it that it is the true copy. Make sure seals and signatures are originals. The document must include a date of issuance.
2. If the country where you are using the document requires it to be translated from English, get a professional translator and have it notarized
   • Do not get the original document notarized.
3. Submit your request for authentication services (includes your Form DS-4194, fees, and documents)

Do not notarize your document. Your document will no longer be valid if it is notarized.

Do:

• Include a legible signature of the official's name, printed name and title, and seal of the agency
• Use agency letterhead

If you're using the document in a country that is part of the Hague Convention Treaty, get it certified by the state that issued the document. You do not need an apostille certificate.

If you're using the document in a country not in the Hague Convention Treaty, get it certified with an authentication certificate.