When documents are used in a foreign country, it is often necessary to authenticate the signatures, stamps or seals on those documents. An authentication certifies that the signature is genuine and the official who signed it has the authority to do so. These documents may be vital records, court orders, contracts or educational diplomas. An apostille and a certificate of authentication are two types of proof that verify these facts. The type of document and the country you intend to use it in determines whether an apostille or a certificate of authentication is required.

There are three certified apostille North Carolina types of documents that require authentications: private (individual or corporate); state/county-issued; and federally-issued. Each type of document is governed by a different process. Private documents require an apostille from a designated authority, generally the state Secretary of State’s office. State/county-issued documents must be certified by a County Clerk or a local government official. Federal documents need a full legalization from the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office.

International Document Apostille Services for Global Use

If the requesting party is unable to bring the document(s) into our Apostille Pop-Up Shop for any reason, the requestor may send a trusted friend or colleague (who is not related to him/her in any way) to submit his/her application and payment on his/her behalf. The person who submits the apostille request on behalf of another must present a letter of authorization. This letter must include the name of the requesting party, their address and phone number. It must also be notarized.