Get Official Document Authentication Through Certifications and Apostilles

Our Department can authenticate your public documents–such as marriage certificates, adoption paperwork, or business filings–for use outside the U.S.

Overview

What is an apostille or official document certification?

By authenticating a document with an apostille or certification, the Department is affirming that the official who signed and affixed their seal to the document is an elected or appointed Pennsylvania public official.

Examples of common documents that require authentication for international use are:

• business documents (articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, bylaws)
• adoption paperwork (home studies, letters of reference, birth certificates, marriage certificates)
• foreign study or education documents (diplomas, transcripts)
• documents to facilitate patents, trademarks, dual citizenship, or international relations

Apostilles and certifications are not required or issued for documents being used only within the United States.

Gather and Verify Your Documents

Before getting your documents to us for authentication, be sure you have everything you need.

You can ensure timely processing times by following these steps:

• Ensure your documents are original copies, not photocopies. They must be signed by the proper Pennsylvania official and contain their official seal.
• Identify the country where the documents will be used.
• Make sure any county document is signed by the clerk in charge of the county office. Documents signed by an assistant or deputy clerk will not be accepted.
• Ensure marriage certificates are signed by the register of wills or clerk of the orphans' court (not just the officiant or clergyperson).
• Make sure death certificates are signed by the state registrar. Do not submit certificates signed by a local registrar. Birth certificates do not require notarization.
• Be sure any certificate of notarial act on notarized documents is in English. You may also provide a version in another language that the notary public comprehends, but it must be immediately adjacent to the English-language certificate.
• Include the $15 per-document preparation fee.

Need a Certificate of Good Standing for Notary Public?

When a Pennsylvania notary notarizes a document being filed in another state or country, that other jurisdiction may require proof of the notary's appointment. This proof is called a Certificate of Good Standing for Notary Public.

Before you request this certificate from our Department, you should check with the state or country where you will be filing your notarized document for their requirements.

To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, write a letter to the Department of State's Bureau of Notaries, Commissions and Legislation and include the following information:

• a request for a Certificate of Good Standing for Notary Public
• the notary's full name and commission ID, if known
• your name and full mailing address
• payment of $15 per requested certificate