Authentications

• Authentication—NC Government issued documents used for countries who did NOT sign the Hague Convention agreement.

• Authority—NC documents notarized in NC for countries that have NOT signed the Hague Convention agreement.

What can the Secretary of State not authenticate?

The Secretary of State cannot authorize the following:

• Cannot authenticate documents from another state or country.

• Cannot authenticate non-English documents that lack a certified and notarized copy of the document in English. All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized as a true translation.

• Cannot authenticate a document with an official signature older than April 2000. All official signatures must be from April 1, 2000 or later.

• Cannot authenticate online. You must mail in or hand-deliver (also courier) your authorization packet.

• Cannot authenticate a facsimile, photostat, photographic, or other reproduction of a signature or seal.