Apostille Frequently Asked Questions
Based in Albany, we assist clients across New York (and beyond) in obtaining New York State apostilles accurately and efficiently. We hand-carry documents when appropriate, coordinate county-level authentications, and manage certified translations to ensure your documents are accepted the first time.
1) What is an apostille and when do I need one?
An apostille is an international certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public document (vital records, notarized documents, court/education records) so it will be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You’ll need it when a foreign authority asks for “apostille” or “Hague legalization.”
2) Who issues apostilles in New York?
For New York documents, the New York State Department of State issues apostilles. Many notarized documents must also be authenticated by the appropriate County Clerk before the Department of State can apostille them.
3) Which documents can receive a New York apostille?
Common examples include birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates; powers of attorney; diplomas and transcripts; corporate documents; court records; and adoption papers. Documents must be original/certified and properly executed.
4) Do my documents need to be notarized first?
Some do, some don’t. Vital records (e.g., birth certificates) are apostilled as certified copies—no notarization needed. School, corporate, and personal documents typically require a New York notarization first (with correct certificate wording).
5) What is the County Clerk authentication step?
If your document was notarized in New York, the County Clerk (in the notary’s county of qualification) often must first verify the notary’s commission. After that, the New York Department of State can issue the apostille. We handle same-day apostille services for you.
6) I have NYC vital records—anything special?
Yes. NYC vital records (from the NYC Department of Health/City Clerk) must be long-form certified copies with the proper raised/seal features. We confirm eligibility before submission to avoid rejection.
7) How fast can I get an apostille in Albany?
Timeframes vary depending on the document type, volume, and the government's processing queues. We offer expedited, hand-carried service when available and track every step of the process. You’ll receive realistic timelines up front.
8) Can you apostille documents from another state?
Apostilles must be issued by the same state where the document originated. If your document is from another state, we can coordinate the apostille for that state through our network.
9) What about federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks)?
Federal documents require authentication/apostille from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We can coordinate the federal process alongside your New York items.
10) Do I need a translation?
If your destination country doesn’t use English, they may require a certified translation of the underlying document and/or the apostille. We provide certified, professionally formatted translations that meet consular standards.
11) Which countries accept an apostille?
All Hague Convention member countries accept apostilles. For non-member countries, you’ll need consular (embassy) legalization instead—we can guide and manage that process.
12) How should I prepare my documents?
Use originals or certified copies—no scans or photos. Do not remove staples from certified records. For notarized documents, ensure complete, legible names, dates, and notary certificate (with commission details).
13) What causes apostille rejections (so I can avoid them)?
Frequent issues: unofficial copies; incomplete/incorrect notarization; notary commission errors; altered or damaged documents; missing county authentication when required. We pre-screen to prevent these delays.
14) I’m not in Albany—can you still help me?
Absolutely. Ship via a trackable carrier or use our secure pickup in the Capital Region. We’ll return apostilled documents by insured courier with tracking.
15) How much does it cost?
Fees depend on document type, quantity, translation needs, and speed (standard vs. expedited/hand-carry). We provide a precise, written quote after a brief review—no surprises.
16) Why choose Enslin Apostille?
Credentials. Legacy. Knowledge. Albany-based handling of county and state workflows, meticulous pre-screening, white-glove chain-of-custody, and concierge updates from start to finish.
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