Send a state document, like a birth certificate, to that state's Secretary of State. Send a federal document to the U.S. Department of State. The country where you will use it decides which certificate you need. Plan on weeks, not days. Some states now issue a digital e-Apostille much faster.
What happened
Someone abroad asked you for an apostille. They need proof that your U.S. document is real. A school, a court, an employer, or an adoption agency often asks for this. There is no single national apostille office, so the first job is finding the right one.
What usually applies
Two things decide where your paper goes. First, who issued it. A state agency or a state notary sends you to that state's Secretary of State. A federal agency sends you to the U.S. Department of State instead. Sending it to the wrong office is a common cause of delay. Second, the country where you will use it. Hague Convention countries take an apostille. Other countries take an authentication certificate. At the federal office, a walk in drop off is processed in seven business days, and mail takes longer. Some states now issue a digital e-Apostille in one business day.
“Apostille certificates are for documents you use in countries in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. Authentication certificates are for documents you use in countries not in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.”
“Documents issued by the federal government. These documents need to be submitted to the U.S. State Department. Out-of-state vital records or court documents. These documents need to be submitted to the issuing state.”
“Walk-in to drop off and pick up your request. You can submit one request per day with a limit of 15 documents for one customer or company. We will process the request in seven business days.”
“Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille) Issued as a secure electronic certificate. Delivered electronically and available for download. Can be verified online through the Connecticut Apostille Verification Portal. Processed within one (1) business day of receipt of a complete application.”
What to do
- 1
Find out who issued your document
A state paper goes to that state's Secretary of State. A federal paper goes to the U.S. Department of State.
- 2
Check the country where you will use it
Some countries are in the Hague treaty. Those take an apostille. Other countries need a different kind of paper.
- 3
Start with an original or a certified copy
Most offices want the real thing. A plain photocopy is often sent back without an apostille on it.
- 4
Ask your state about an e-Apostille
A digital apostille can come back in about one business day. Birth and death records often still need paper.
- 5
Count the wait before you book travel
A mailed federal request takes weeks. Build that time into any deadline abroad or any court date.
Call the office listed on your state's own website before you mail anything. Ask what it needs and what it charges. If the paper is for a court case, an adoption, or a job abroad, ask the agency that requested it exactly which certificate it wants. Your local 211 line can help you find the right state office.
Want help with your own letter?
Start nowRelated words
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications (travel.state.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-31
- Connecticut Secretary of the State, Authentication of Documents and the Apostille (portal.ct.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-31
Last reviewed 2026-07-31