This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Clearly state the purpose of your request for an apostille, and provide information about the document(s) that you are submitting. Include the type of document, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and the issuing authority or country.
You can request an apostille online or in person, and you'll need to go through the appropriate channels, per your state guidelines, in order to get to the right department and request your apostille. Most requests should be directed through the Secretary of State.
You can request apostilles with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth by mail or in person. If you drop off the documents in person, Virginia requests you schedule an appointment.
Contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications at 202-485-8000. Physical address: 600 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.
An apostille is issued by your Secretary of State's office or Notary commissioning agency. The single apostille is the only certification needed. Once prepared and verified, the apostille is attached to and sent along with the notarized documents. Notaries cannot issue apostilles themselves.
What to include with your request: Form DS-4194. Be sure to list the country in which you will use the document. The document(s) requiring authentication services. Check if you need an authentication certificate or an apostille certificate. Fees which are $20 per document.
+ What kind of public records can I get a Universal Apostille for? Documents originating in a court, clerk of a court, public prosecutor or process server, administrative documents, notarial acts, official certificates placed on documents.
The Clerks and Deputy Clerks of the United States of America are authorized to issue apostilles on documents issued by those courts. As an alternative, the US Department of Justice may authenticate the US Department of State's Authentications Office for an apostille on that seal.
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.