Authentications

Overview

Authentications Division

The Authentication Office of the NC Department of the Secretary of State is responsible for providing authentication services on North Carolina documents that will be used in foreign countries.

What laws authorize the authentication of documents in North Carolina?

See Article 34 Certificates of Authentication of NC General Statutes §66-270 to §66-279.

Authority of Secretary of State to authenticate documents.

• 2015 North Carolina General Statutes

• Chapter 66 - Commerce and Business

• Article 34 - Certificates of Authentication

What is authentication?

Authentication certifies the authenticity or genuineness of an official’s signature or seal on a document so that it can be recognized in foreign jurisdictions. The Department authorizes these documents for foreign use.

Other terms you may come across in authentications

A “foreign jurisdiction” is one that is outside of North Carolina.

A signature or seal is called a “specimen.”

An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. This is similar to a witness’s testimony in court.

Authentication document must-haves

• All seals and signatures must be originals.

• Dates must follow in chronological order on certifications.

• Acknowledgements must be in English.

• All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized as a true translation.See( N.C.G.S. §66-274(a))

What are the three types of authorizations?

The three authorization types are:

• Apostille –NC documents used for countries who signed the international agreement called “Hague Convention.” See Hague Member List.