When a legal document created or signed in the United States is used for official purposes in another country, that foreign country may require the document to be authenticated. This authentication can take the form of an apostille or an authentication certificate. Both apostilles and authentication certificates verify signatures, stamps, and seals on important documents such as court orders, contracts, diplomas, and vital records.

Apostille for Federal Agreements: Ensuring Global Recognition of Official Deals

An apostille for federal agreements is designed to simplify the process of legalizing public documents for use in countries that are members of The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, or the 1961 Apostille Treaty. An apostille certifies that the signature on the document is genuine and that the signatory has the authority to execute the document.

Apostilles are also available for federal documents (FBI background checks, Certificate of Naturalization and Trademarks) that cannot be apostilled at the state level. For information about the full legalization process for federally-issued documents, see this People’s Law Library article.

Apostilles and authentication certificates can be obtained by visiting a GSCCCA office or sending a package with the documents to our Authentication Division. Authentication staff review drop-offs 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Monday–Friday (except federal holidays). To make an appointment for the earliest available date, please call our Authentication Division at 212-345-0500. When mailing a package with documents needing apostilles or authentication certificates, please send a cover letter with the document title and destination country clearly indicated; this is important to ensure the correct authentication service is requested. Also include a self-addressed envelope or airbill for return.