In order for documents to be considered official and recognized in a foreign jurisdiction, they must be authenticated. Depending on the country where the document will be used, there are different methods of authentication that must be followed. The most common form of authentication is an apostille.
The apostille for official U.S. papers is a form of certification that the signature on the document has been verified to be genuine. It is issued by the authority that verified the signature, usually a county clerk or the Secretary of State. The apostille must be affixed to the document before it can be accepted for use in another country. Apostilles can be attached to a document in a variety of ways including using glue, rubber stamps, ribbons or impressed seals.
Apostille for Official U.S. Papers: A Complete Guide
Choosing the correct process depends upon where the document will be used and which agency issued the original document. For example, if the document is a California birth certificate, it must be authenticated by the State Department of Health or the county health department. Documents that are federally-issued, such as a background check or a passport, must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office for an authentication or apostille. See their website for details on how to proceed, requirements, costs and address.
The GSCCCA is only authorized to certify documents originating in New York State that are signed by a New York State official or county clerk. Other documents such as transcripts or diplomas may need to be authenticated by the school or university that issued them.