Authentications
U.S. State Department Authentications Office
The U.S. Office of Authentications website describes their duties as:
The U.S. Office of Authentications issues both apostilles and authentication certificates. The Office of Authentications provides signed certificates of authenticity for a variety of documents to individuals, institutions, and government agencies to be used abroad. Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on public documents such as birth certificates, court orders, or any other document issued by a federal agency or certified by a U.S. or foreign consul.
The country in which the document will be used determines the type of certificate needed:
- An apostille is for documents to be used in countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.
- Authentication certificates are for documents to be used in countries that do not participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.
How to Request Authentications Service
To request authentications service, you must complete Form DS-4194.
- Authentications Certificate Requirements: How to prepare your document to be authenticated
- Requesting Authentication Services: How to request services by mail