Apostille
An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in a foreign country, and in Arizona, obtaining an apostille involves a specific process managed by the Arizona Secretary of State. Here’s what you need to know:
Purpose of an Apostille
- International Validation: An apostille verifies that a document is genuine and can be legally recognized in any of the 120+ countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Common Documents: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, and notarized affidavits often require apostilles for use abroad.
Process for Obtaining an Apostille in Arizona
1. Prepare the Document: Ensure the document is properly notarized or certified as required.
- Notarized Documents: If the document is notarized, ensure it is done by an Arizona notary public.
- Public Records: For vital records like birth or marriage certificates, obtain a certified copy from the issuing agency.
2. Submit the Document: Send the original notarized or certified document to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
- Cover Letter: Include a cover letter with your contact information and details of the request provided on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website at Apostille and Document Authentication | Arizona Secretary of State (azsos.gov) or in person at their office.
- Payment: Pay the required fee, which is $3 per document.
3. Request Processing: The Secretary of State’s office will verify the document and affix the apostille certificate.
4. Return of Document: The document, now with the apostille attached, will be returned to you via your preferred method, such as mail or in-person pickup.
Submission Options
- By Mail: Send documents to the Secretary of State's office with the required cover letter and payment.
- In-Person: Visit the Secretary of State’s office to submit documents and receive the apostille on the same day if possible.
Arizona Mobile Notary offers assistance with notarizing and apostilling your documents! Please give us a call for more information at 480-399-5158.
Special Considerations
- Document Specifics: Ensure that the document is complete and has all necessary signatures and seals before submission.
- Foreign Requirements: Verify with the receiving foreign authority that an apostille is acceptable for your specific document and country.
- Processing Time: Processing time can vary, so it is advisable to check current processing times on the Arizona Secretary of State's website or contact their office directly.
Contact Information
- Arizona Secretary of State’s Office: The main office handling apostilles is located in Phoenix, with a branch office in Tucson.
- Phoenix Office: 1700 W. Washington Street, 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007
- Tucson Office: 400 W. Congress, 2nd Floor, Room 252, Tucson, AZ 85701
By understanding and following these steps, you can efficiently obtain an apostille in Arizona, ensuring your documents are internationally recognized and valid for use in other countries.
Please click here for the Apostille document you need to provide to the Secretary of State.