Certification by the school: Educational documents like diplomas, transcripts, verification letters, and general school records from Connecticut high schools, colleges, and universities must first be certified by an authorized school official - such as a registrar, counselor, or principal. After certification, the document must be properly notarized by a Connecticut notary public before it can be processed for an apostille.

The notarization must include a full notarial certificate, usually an acknowledgment (Connecticut Notary Public Guide). If the document only bears the notary’s signature and seal without the required notarial language, it will be rejected.

Below are examples of notarial certificates typically used in Connecticut for academic documents:

Remotely/electronocally notarized documents: TBD.

 Connecticut state law does not require that notaries obtain and use a seal, or rubber stamp. Even though the use of a seal is optional, state law does prescribe the format of the seal to be used. The notary seal must include the notary's name as it appears on their certificate of appointment, the words "Notary Public" and "Connecticut".

 When using the seal, the impression should be affixed near, but not over, the notary's signature. The stamp bearing the words "My Commission Expires" should be placed below the notary's signature and the notary must write in the date on which their commission expires, unless the date appears on the stamp.

Certification by notary public: Under Connecticut law, notaries have the authority to prepare “certified” or “true” copies of certain documents. For copy certification, a notary public is presented with an original document and: (1) copies or supervises the copying of such document using a photographic or electronic copying process; (2) compares the original document presented to the copy; and (3) certifies that the copy is an accurate and complete reproduction of the original work presented.

However, before proceeding, confirm with the receiving foreign school or agency whether they accept a notarized copy. Many institutions require an original transcript signed by the school principal or registrar.

Below is a sample notarial certificate for an attested copy of a diploma or transcript.

Certification by document custodian: The person presenting the document can also make a photocopy and prepare a written statement, that may be attached to or written on the photocopy itself, stating that it is a true copy of the original. The person signs the statement in the notary’s presence. 

Below is a sample sworn statement by document custodian with the notarial jurat.

Send the notarized diploma / transcript to us by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a Connecticut apostille.