New York Hague apostilles
New York Apostille Services – Fast and Reliable
We specialize in obtaining apostilles for New York documents, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, powers of attorney, affidavits, passports, diplomas, transcripts, and driving records. For businesses, we handle Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, bylaws, operating agreements, and corporate resolutions.
Our team also provides document retrieval, sample notarial certificates, and embassy legalization for non-Hague countries. All services are secure, confidential, and delivered on time—making your New York documents valid for international use quickly and without stress.
Have multiple documents from different states? No need to search each state.
In the State of New York, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by an eyelet. It is signed by a Deputy Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has a blue Seal of the Department of State of the State of New York.
New York apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 5 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Birth certificates
New York apostille requirements for birth certificates
Obtaining an apostille or embassy legalization for a New York birth certificate can feel confusing. New York issues several different types of birth certificates—short form, long form, certifications of birth, exemplified certificates (with a Letter of Exemplification), and even certificates in different colors (pink, yellow, white, blue, green). Not all of them qualify for an apostille, so it’s important to know which version you have.
Here are the general guidelines...
If the birth occurred in one of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island):
You will need a long form birth certificate accompanied by a Letter of Exemplification.
The issue date on the certificate and the Exemplification Letter must match.
Short form certificates (also called “Certification of Birth”) are not eligible for apostilles.
Old certificates are also not acceptable.
If the birth occurred outside New York City:
You may use a birth certificate (short or long form) issued either by the local registrar or town/city clerk or by the New York State Department of Health in Albany.
If the certificate was issued locally, it must first be authenticated by the county clerk before it can be apostilled. Some counties require newly issued certificates, while others may accept older ones. We handle the county authentication on your behalf. To avoid delays, email us a copy of your certificate for a free document evaluation. We’ll confirm if it’s eligible and advise on the next steps.
Letters of Exemplification are not issued for birth certificates that occured outside the five boroughs of New York City.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island): Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or www.vitalchek.com
IMPORTANT: when you answer the question “What will you be using this certificate for?”, please select “Apostille/authentication”. Then VitalChek will send you a long form birth certificate with a letter of exemplification.
Other counties: You need to contact the City/Town Clerk where the birth occurred or the NYS Department of Health.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original birth certificate (and a Letter of Exemplification if the birth occurred in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens or Staten Island) by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille. The authentication by the county clerk (if required) is included in the price. Please note that county clerk authentication might require additional processing time.
Marriage records
New York apostille requirements for marriage certificates
Obtaining an apostille or embassy legalization for a New York marriage certificate can feel confusing. New York issues different versions of marriage certificates depending on where they were filed and the year of issuance, and not all qualify for an apostille. Some require additional steps, such as county clerk authentication, before they can be legalized for international use.
Here’s what you need to know:
NYC marriage certificates (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island): All marriage records from 1950 to the present, originating from the five boroughs of New York City are kept in the New York City Marriage Bureau. We can order an extended certified copy of the marriage certificate and have it apostilled or legalized by a foreign embassy. Marriage records from 1866 to 1949 are kept in the New York City Minucupal Archives. We can order an exemplified copy of the marriage certificate, and have it apostilled or legalized by a foreign embassy.
It does not matter whether you have a short form or a long form (extended) marriage certificate, the eligibility for an apostille will depend on the name of the City Clerk of the City of New York who signed the marriage certificate.
Important! Some foreign countries specifically require apostilled extended marriage certificate. If you have a short form marriage certificate, make sure it will be acceptable to the receiving foreign agency.
If your marriage certificate has the signature of Hector Diaz (City Clerk), it cannot be apostilled as is. You will need to order a new certified copy.
An extended copy of the New York marriage certificate, as compared to a short form marriage certificate, will have the following:
- information about the spouses' parents: names and places of birth
- number of times the spouses were married before
- witnesses' names
- a color stamp and an original signature of the Deputy City Clerk on the back
An extended marriage certificate issued before 1996 is a full page document. Sometimes the certificate consists of two pages. An extended marriage certificates issued after 1996 are about half a letter size page.******
Marriage certificates from outside NYC (issued by local town or city registrars) generally qualify for an apostille if they are original, certified copies. However, they must often be authenticated by the county clerk before being sent to the New York Department of State.
Some counties require newly issued certificates, while others may accept older ones. We handle the county authentication on your behalf. To avoid delays, email us a copy of the certificate for a free document evaluation. We’ll confirm if it’s eligible and advise on the next steps.
Letters of Exemplification are not issued for marriage certificates except for certified copies kept in the NYC Municipal Archives.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
NYC marriage certificates: We can assist you in obtaining a certified copy of a Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island marriage certificate and have it apostilled. ORDER ONLINE.
Other counties: You need to contact the City/Town Clerk where the marriage license was issued or the NYS Department of Health.
If you have an original marriage certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original marriage certificate by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille. The authentication by the county clerk (if required) is included in the price. Please note that county clerk authentication might require additional processing time.
Death certificates
New York apostille requirements for death certificates
Obtaining an apostille or embassy legalization for a New York death certificate can feel confusing. New York issues different versions of death certificates depending on where they were filed and the year of issuance, and not all qualify for an apostille. Some require additional steps, such as county clerk authentication, before they can be legalized for international use.
Here’s what you need to know:
NYC death certificates (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) (issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) require a Letter of Exemplification to qualify for an apostille. Without this letter, the certificate will be rejected.
The issue date on the certificate and the Exemplification Letter must match.
Old certificates are acceptable only if they have a Letter of Exemplification with a matching date.
Death certificates from outside NYC (issued by local town or city registrars) generally qualify for an apostille if they are original, certified copies. However, they must often be authenticated by the county clerk before being sent to the New York Department of State.
Some counties require newly issued certificates, while others may accept older ones. We handle the county authentication on your behalf. To avoid delays, email us a copy of the certificate for a free document evaluation. We’ll confirm if it’s eligible and advise on the next steps.
Letters of Exemplification are not issued for death certificates that occured outside the five boroughs of New York City.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island): Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or www.vitalchek.com
IMPORTANT: when you answer the question “What will you be using this certificate for?”, please select “Apostille/authentication”. Then VitalChek will send you a death certificate with a letter of exemplification.
Other counties: You need to contact the City/Town Clerk where the death occurred or the NYS Department of Health.
If you have an original death certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original death certificate (and a Letter of Exemplification if the death occurred in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens or Staten Island) by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille. The authentication by the county clerk (if required) is included in the price. Please note that county clerk authentication might require additional processing time.
Divorce records
New York apostille requirements for divorce records
There are two (2) types of divorce records in the State of New York.
Divorce decree. This document is prepared by the court. It details the terms and conditions of the divorce. It is signed by the judge and filed with the County Clerk, usually in the County where the plaintiff resided. If the divorce was granted before January 1, 1963, the divorce decree is the only type of document available. A copy of the divorce judgment must be certified by the county clerk before it is submitted for an apostille. In many cases, we will be able to obtain a certified copy of your divorce judgment. Please contact us.
The requirements (eligible signatures, years of issue, etc.) vary greatly from county to county.
We recommend that you email a copy of your document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Divorce Certificate. This document contains basic information about the spouses, and the date and place the marriage ended. It is filed with the New York State Department of Health for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
To get a certified copy of a New York divorce judgment, contact the County Clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted, as they hold the divorce judgment file. Alternatively, you can obtain a divorce certificate (different from the judgment) from the New York State Department of Health for divorces occurring in 1963 or later.
If you have a copy of the divorce judgment or divorce certificate, email for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
Send the certified copy of the divorce judgment or the original Divorce certificate along with the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Single status documents
New York apostille requirements for Single Status Documents
Anyone who is planning to get married in a foreign country will be asked to provide this document as proof that he or she is free to marry.
In the State of New York you have two options:
Option 1:
This option is available to you if you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. You can request a Certificate of Non-Impediment from the Marriage Bureau in New York City. A Certificate of Non-impediment is an official Certification that the City Clerk's Office has no information that would be an "impediment" to your getting a Marriage License in the City of New York.
To qualify for a Certificate of Non-Impediment, you must reside within the City of New York and must not presently be married.
The Certificate of Non-Impediment is valid for six months from the date of the certificate.
Here is a link to the website of the NYC City Clerk where you can obtain a Certificate of Non-Impediment.
Option 2:
Or, you can prepare a Single Status Affidavit that will be signed by you and notarized by a New York notary public. An Affidavit of Single Status is a sworn statement in which you attest that you are single and free to marry.
If you need a sample Single Status Affidavit, please contact us. We have many country-specific samples. This service is free.
We recommend that you ask you fiance(e) to find out if your affidavit needs to be in any specific form or contain some specific additional details. The requirements differ from country to country.
Single Status Affidavit samples
Here are a few Single Status Affidavit samples:
General Single Status Affidavit form * English-Spanish Single Status Affidavit * English-French Single Status Affidavit
Country-specific forms: We have samples for the following countries:
Albania * Armenia (Armenian) * Armenia (English) * Austria * Canada * Canada (2) * China (Affidavit of Single Status) * Indonesia (consular form) * Indonesia * Italy (Nulla Osta) * Laos * Russia * South Korea * Taiwan * Thailand * Turkey * Ukraine * Vietnam *
Disclaimer: The single status affidavit samples above were provided by clients who successfully used them. We recommend asking your fiancé(e) to obtain a sample affidavit from the country where you plan to marry and using that as a reference. If you have a single status affidavit sample from any country that you'd like to share, we would greatly appreciate your help. Please feel free to contact us.
Notarization requirements
The document should be properly notarized. As this is a sworn statement, the proper notarial form will be the jurat.
In case of remotely / electronically notarized affidavits, the notary shall state that the person making the oath appeared through use of communication technology and attach the original Certificate of Authenticity. Read more about the notarization requirements in the State of New York.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized Single Status Affidavit and the Order form by mail for a New York apostille.
Powers of attorney
New York apostille requirements for personal Powers of Attorney (POA)
How do you prepare a Power of Attorney for foreign use? Here are the general guidelines...
Your document can be a notarized original or it can be signed and notarized electronically / remotely. Your document must have a date. If there are more than one signer, the notary should indicate whose dignature he/she is notarizing. There must be no corrections or blanks. The signature(s) must be properly notarized by a New York notary public. The document may be in a foreign language, no translation is required. The notary's statement must be in English.Remotely notarized powers of attorneys have specific requirements. Read more about the apostille requirements for notarized documents (including the requirements for remote notarization) in the State of New York.....
We recommend that you email a copy of your Power of Attorney for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized Power of Attorney with the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Notarized affidavits, consents, statements, etc.
New York apostille requirements for notarized affidavits, consents, letters, etc.
Need to present a statement, affidavit, consent, or other notarized document abroad? A New York apostille makes the document legally recognized in foreign countries.
Here’s what you need to know:
Documents can be originally notarized or signed electronically/remotely.Every document must include a date.If multiple people sign, the notary must clearly indicate whose signature is notarized.Corrections must be initialed by the signer(s). No blanks are allowed. All signatures must be properly notarized by a New York notary.Documents may be in a foreign language, but the notary’s statement must be in English.
We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
What does a "proper notarization" mean?
Please note that for apostille purposes the contents of the document is not important. What is important is the way the document is notarized. We will check if the notary public who notarized your power of attoney, authorization, affidavit or consent is active (in good standing) and whether the document was notarized properly.
Make sure the notary follows the requirements:
The signature of the notary public must exactly match the sample signature filed with the office of the County Clerk in the county where the notary public is qualified. This is important because if the notary's signature on the document does not match the sample signature on file with the County Clerk's office, the document will be rejected.
The notary's stamp must indicate the notary's name, license number, the name of the county where the notary is qualified, and the expiration date of the notary's license. If the notary does not have an ink stamp, the above information must be printed or typed in black ink.
Depending on the type of document, the notary must include either Certificate of acknowledgment (for powers of attorney, consents, statements, letters, etc) or a Jurat (for affidavits, sworn statements).
There are specific requirements for remotely notarized documents. . Read more about the apostille requirements for notarized documents (including the requirements for remote notarization) in the State of New York....
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized document and the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
School diplomas and transcripts
New York apostille requirements for diplomas and transcripts
How do you prepare a high school, college, university diploma, a transcript, an enrollment or graduation verification letter for foreign use?
Contact your school and request a certified notarized copy of your school record. New York colleges and universities issued certified notarized copies upon request. This document needs to be signed by a school official (original signature), and his/her signature must be notarized. Make sure the document is properly notarized by a New York notary public.
IMPORTANT! In the State of New York notaries public by law cannot attest to copies of documents. It is not correct if the notary just writes "This is a true copy of the passport", signs and affixes his or her stamp. The notary must notarize the signature of the school official who certifies a copy of the diploma / transcript.
You could save significant amount of time, if you email a copy of your document to us for a free evaluation. We will check if the notary is active (in good standing), if the document has been notarized properly, and will advise if any corrections are needed.
You can ask your school to send the document directly to us for an apostille.
If you are not able to obtain a certified notarized copy from your school, we can have the original diploma / transcript or a copy (copies) notarized and apostilled in Washington DC. Contact us....
Get a New York apostille
Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation.
Send the certified notarized document and the Order form by mail for a New York apostille.
Passports, IDs
New York apostille requirements for copies of passports and IDs
How to prepare a copy of your passport, New York State driver license or ID for foreign use?
In order to have a copy of your passport or ID legalized by an apostille or foreign embassy, follow the following steps:
Make a copy of your document.
On the copy write
"I, ..... [your name], hereby confirm that this is a true, correct and complete photocopy of my original .... [description of the document]" Date: ....
Sign in front of a notary public, make sure the notary follows the requirements (see below)
Submit the notarized copy of your document for an apostille along with the Order Form by mail.
Here’s what you need to know:
In New York, notaries are not permitted by law to certify copies of documents. For example, a notary cannot write ‘This is a true copy of the passport’ and then sign and stamp it. A notary may only notarize the signature of the passport or ID holder.Documents can be originally notarized or signed and notarized electronically / remotely. For electronic notarial acts performed remotely, the following statement must be added to the acknowledgment or jurat: “This electronic notarial act involved a remote online appearance involving the use of communication technology.”
For apostille purposes, the remote notarization must be accompanied by the original Certificate of Authenticity.
We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized document and the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Driving records
New York apostille requirements for driving records
Abstracts of Driving Record are issued by the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany. They are signed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Both original documents and copies qualify for New York apostilles.
A New York Abstract of Driving Record includes important details such as your full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, license status (valid, suspended, or revoked), and the original date of license issuance. It also shows your current class of license, any endorsements or restrictions, and a complete history of violations, convictions, accidents, suspensions, or revocations on file with the DMV.
Because it provides a full overview of your driving history, foreign authorities often require it with an apostille as proof of your driving qualifications and record of compliance.
Abstracts of Driving Record do not need to be notarized or certified in any way, as the signature of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is on file with the New York Secretary of State Office. Just send us the original document by mail or a copy by email and we will take care of the apostille process.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
Order your driving record from New York Deartment of Motor Vehicles. There is no difference between a driving record you order online, at an office, or by mail. They are all certified DMV records. They all include a certification statement and the signature of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, as well as the same security watermark.
If you have the driving record, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Backgound checks
New York apostille requirements for NYS background check documents
The most comprehensive way to conduct a New York criminal record search is through the New York State Office of Court Administration ("OCA"). The OCA covers all 62 counties in New York State dating back to at least 1993 (the counties vary as to how far back they search) and includes all town and village records.
The best thing about the OCA "No Criminal Record Letter" is that no fingerprints are required. The search is based on the exact name and date of birth.
Necessary steps to prepare your background check for foreign use:
IMPORTANT: Make sure that a background check obtained on the state level will satisfy the requirements of the receiving foreign agency.
If the foreign country of intended use requires a background check issued on the federal level, order an FBI apostille.
If the foreign country of intended use requires a fingerprint-based background check, order an FBI apostille.
If the foreign country of intended use accepts New York statewide background checks, order it online with a Hague apostille.
The OCA issues a computer printout stating your name, date of birth, and the phrase "No record found". In addition, the OCA will issue a letter signed by the OCA Court Analyst of the Criminal History Record Search Program confirming that you have no criminal record in the State of New York.
IMPORTANT! This letter can only be issued if there is no criminal record in the State of New York. If there is a criminal record, the printout report will show it but the accompanying letter will not be issued, and without this letter it is not possible to get an apostille. If you have a criminal record in the State of New York, DO NOT order the New York Statewide background check online. We will not be able to have it apostilled!
How to get a NYS background check eligible for an apostille?
Order your NYS background check with an apostille onlineOrder your NYS background check with an apostille online . The price for the New York all-state background check with a Hague apostille is $325. The processing time is app. 5-7 business dyas.
IMPORTANT! f there is a criminal record in the State of New York, the printout report will show it but the accompanying letter will not be issued, and without this letter it is not possible to get an apostille. If you have a criminal record in the State of New York, DO NOT order the New York Statewide background check online. We will not be able to have it apostilled!
FBI background checks
It is a federal document!
The states do not issue apostilles for FBI background checks. FBI background check (also called Identity History Summary) is a federal document, therefore it has to be apostilled on the federal level. Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.
This document does not need to be notarized.
How to get your criminal background check from the FBI?
The FBI offers two methods for requesting you criminal background check (Identity History Summary Check)
Option 1: Submit your request directly to the FBI
Option 2: Submit to an FBI-approved Channeler. Note that FBI-approved Channelers may only process requests for a U.S. person (an individual who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident)
If you have the FBI back ground check, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a federal (FBI) apostille
Email the PDF file or send the hard copy of the FBI background check by mail along with the Order Form for a federal apostille.
IRS Forms 6166 (double taxation)
It is a federal document!
Form 6166 (U.S. Residency certification) is a letter printed on the U.S. Department of Treasury stationery certifying that an individual was/is a resident of the United States for the purposes of income tax laws of the United States. You may use this form to claim income tax treaty benefits and certain other tax benefits in foreign countries.
The states do not issue apostilles for Form 6166. It is a federal document, therefore it requires a federal apostille. Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.
Please note that this document does not need to be notarized.
How to get Form 6166 from the IRS?
Order Form 6166 with an apostille or embassy legalization ONLINE.
If you have the original Form 6166, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a federal apostille
Send the original Form 6166 by mail along with the Order Form for a federal apostille.
Articles of incorporation, organization, certificate of incorporation
New York apostille requirements for Articles of Incorporation / Organization
New Yrok Certificate of Incorporation (or Articles of Organization, in case your company is a New York LLC) is the document that you filed with the New York Secretary of State when your company was incorporated / organized. This document confirms that your company was registered as a legal entity in the State of New York. It does not show your present active status (for this purpose you will need a Certificate of Good Standing (the State of New York calls it a "Certificate of Status")
For apostille or legalization purposes, you will need a certified copy issued by the New York Department of State. Notarized copies are not acceptable for apostille purposes.
Order online a certified copy of your company's Articles of Incorporation / Organization and/or Certificate of Good Standing with a Hague apostille. The price for the retrieval and an apostille is $325, processing time: app. 1,5 weeks.
Get a New York apostille
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
If you have a certified copy and our free document evaluation confirmed that it is eligible for an apostille, send the certified copy by mail for a New York apostille.
Certificate of good standing /certificate of status
New York apostille requirements for Certificates of Good Standing (Status)
The purpose of the apostilled Certificate of Good Standing is to prove to foreign governments that your New York corporation or LLC was formed and is in good standing with the State of New York, and is authorized to do business in the State of New York.
For apostille or legalization purposes, you will need the original Certificate of Good Standing / Status issued by the New York Department of State. Notarized copies are not acceptable for apostille purposes.
Order online the Certificate of Good Standing and/or a certified copy of your company's Articles of Incorporation / Organization with a Hague apostille. The price for the retrieval and an apostille is $325, processing time: app. 1,5 weeks.
Get a New York apostille
If you have the Certificate of Good Standing, email it for a free document evaluation.
If our free document evaluation confirmed that your document is eligible for an apostille, send the Certificate of Good Standing by mail or by email for a New York apostille.
Corporate by-laws, LLC operating agreements
New York apostille requirements for corporate bylaws and LLC operating agreements
The original corporate bylaws or LLC operating agreements are the internal company documents. These documents are usually kept in the corporate book in the main office of the company. If you need to present a copy of an internal corporate document in a foreign country for opening a representative office, setting up a branch or for any other business purpose, here is the procedure to follow.
Step 1: Corporate secretary or other corporate officers have the authority to make a copy of any corporate document including the bylaws and LLC operating agreements, and attest that this copy is a true and correct copy of the original document adopted by the company.
Step 2: Prepare a notarized affidavit signed by an officer of the company confirming that the attached copy is a true and complete copy of the original document.
Sample affidavit for a copy corporate bylaws, operating agreements, etc. (free download)
This is just a sample. You or your company's attorney can prepare a different affidavit. This affidavit contains the required notarial statement. This affidavit can be used for copies of different corporate documents, e.g. bylaws, minutes, corporate ledger, shareholders list. etc. Please note, however, that this affidavit cannot be used for powers of attorney, authorizations, certificates of incumbency, these documents must be original. This affidavit cannot be used for copies of certificate of incorporation, amendment, dissolution. These documents should be certified copies issued by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Here’s what you need to know:
The affidavit can be originally notarized or signed electronically/remotely.The signature of the company representative must be properly notarized by a New York notary. We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized affidavit, a copy of the bylaws, operating agreement and the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Corporate powers of attorney, authorizations
New York apostille requirements for corporate Powers of Attorney (POA)
How do you prepare a corporate Power of Attorney for foreign use? Here are the general guidelines...
Your document can be a notarized original or it can be signed and notarized electronically / remotely. Your document must have a date. If there are more than one signer, the notary should indicate whose dignature he/she is notarizing. There must be no corrections or blanks. The signature(s) must be properly notarized by a New York notary public. The document may be in a foreign language, no translation is required. The notary's statement must be in English. We recommend that you email a copy of your Power of Attorney for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized Power of Attorney with the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Corporate resolutions, minutes
New York apostille requirements for corporate resolutions and minutes
The original corporate resolutions and minutes are the internal company documents. These documents are usually kept in the corporate book in the main office of the company. If you need to present a copy of an internal corporate document in a foreign country for opening a representative office, setting up a branch or for any other business purpose, here is the procedure to follow.
Step 1: Corporate secretary or other corporate officers have the authority to make a copy of any corporate document including resolutions and minutes, and attest that this copy is a true and correct copy of the original document adopted by the company.
Step 2: Prepare a notarized affidavit signed by an officer of the company confirming that the attached copy is a true and complete copy of the original document.
Sample affidavit for a copy corporate bylaws, operating agreements, etc. (free download)
This is just a sample. You or your company's attorney can prepare a different affidavit. This affidavit contains the required notarial statement. This affidavit can be used for copies of different corporate documents, e.g. bylaws, minutes, corporate ledger, shareholders list. etc. Please note, however, that this affidavit cannot be used for powers of attorney, authorizations, certificates of incumbency, these documents must be original. This affidavit cannot be used for copies of certificate of incorporation, amendment, dissolution. These documents should be certified copies issued by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Here’s what you need to know:
The affidavit can be originally notarized or signed electronically/remotely. We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized affidavit, a copy of the resolution / minutes and the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Corporate stock ledgers and share certificates
New York apostille requirements for copies of the stock ledger and share certificates
The original stock ledger and share certificates are kept in the corporate book in the main office of the company. If you need to present a copy of an internal corporate document in a foreign country for opening a representative office, setting up a branch or for any other business purpose, here is the procedure to follow.
Step 1: Corporate secretary or other corporate officers have the authority to make a copy of any corporate document including the stock ledger and share certificates, and attest that this copy is a true and correct copy of the original document.
Step 2: Prepare a notarized affidavit signed by an officer of the company confirming that the attached copy is a true and complete copy of the original document.
Sample affidavit for a copy corporate bylaws, operating agreements, etc. (free download)
This is just a sample. You or your company's attorney can prepare a different affidavit. This affidavit contains the required notarial statement. This affidavit can be used for copies of different corporate documents, e.g. bylaws, minutes, corporate ledger, shareholders list. etc. Please note, however, that this affidavit cannot be used for powers of attorney, authorizations, certificates of incumbency, these documents must be original. This affidavit cannot be used for copies of certificate of incorporation, amendment, dissolution. These documents should be certified copies issued by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Here’s what you need to know:
The affidavit can be originally notarized or signed electronically/remotely. We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized affidavit, a copy of the stock ledger and/or share certificates and the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
Certificates of Incumbeny
New York apostille requirements for Certificates of Incumbency
If your company needs a Certificate of Incumbency for use abroad, follow these general guidelines to ensure it is eligible for a New York apostille. Following these steps helps ensure that your Certificate of Incumbency will be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
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Notarization: The certificate can be a notarized original or signed and notarized electronically/remotely.
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Date: The document must include the date it was signed.
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Multiple Signers: If more than one officer signs, the notary must specify whose signature is being notarized.
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Completeness: There should be no corrections, omissions, or blank spaces.
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Language: The certificate may be prepared in a foreign language, and no translation is required; however, the notary’s statement must be in English.
Remotely notarized documents have specific requirements. Read more about the apostille requirements for notarized documents (including the requirements for remote notarization) in the State of New York.....
We recommend that you email a copy of your notarized document for a free evaluation. We will advise if the document has been notarized properly, if the notary is active, and if the document is eligible for an apostille / legalization.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original notarized Certificate of Incumbency with the Order Form by mail and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille.
IRS Forms 6166, tax documents
Form 6166 (U.S. Residency certification) is a letter printed on the U.S. Department of Treasury stationery certifying that a company was/is a resident of the United States for the purposes of income tax laws of the United States. You may use this form to claim income tax treaty benefits and certain other tax benefits in foreign countries.
The State of New York does not issue apostilles for Form 6166. It is a federal document, therefore it requires a federal apostille. Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.
If you have the original Form 6166, send it to us for a federal apostille along with the Order Form.
Certificates to Foreign Government, documents issued by U.S. federal agencies
If your company is exporting products to a foreign country, the destination country government will request a Certificate to Foreign Government which will guarantee that the product is in compliance with U.S. laws and U.S. regulations.
The State of New York does not issue apostilles for federal documents. A Certificate To Foreign Government is issued by a federal afency (FDA). These documents requre federal apostilles issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.
Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation.
If the document is acceptable, send the original document to us by mail along with the Order Form.
More tips...
Certified copies of documents issued by the Civil Court of New York county (e.g. Name Change Petitions) should have an original signature of the Court official. It requires extra time (app. 1-2 additional weeks)
Can a New York apostille be verified?
Yes. We offer New York free apostille verification service. You will need to provide the apostille number and the date of issue. We will check if the apostille was in fact issued by the New York Secretary of State.
Can a New York apostille be rejected by a foreign country because it is a separate page, and not a stamp?
No. According to the Brochure called ABCs of Apostilles issued by the Hague Apostille Conference,
Apostilles may be affixed by various means, including rubber stamps, self-adhesive stickers, impressed seals, etc.
If an Apostille is placed on an allonge (which means a "separate page'), this page can be attached to the underlying public document by a variety of means, including glue, grommets, staples, ribbons, wax seals, etc.
Failure to affix an Apostille in a particular manner is not a basis for refusing the Apostille.
Can a New York apostille be issued for a document in a language other than English?
Yes, the document may be in a foreign language, however (IMPORTANT!) the notarial statement must be in English.
How are apostilles affixed to documents in the State of New York?
The State of New York uses metal eyelets to attach apostilles to documents. An eyelet can be placed in the upper left corner or in the upper right corner of an apostille. There is no other means to attach apostilles to documents in the State of New York. Your document cannot be rejected because foreign authorities expect an apostille to look different or to be attached to a document in a different manner, e.g. to be ribboned or glued to the document.
Where can you check of a notary public who notarized your document is active?
Here is the link where you can check if the New York notary public who notarized your document is active: Commissioned NYS Notaries Public | State of New York
What is "proper notarization" in the State of New York?
In the State of New York, before a notarized document is submitted for an apostille, it needs to be authenticated by the county clerk's office. Basically the county clerk confirms the signature of the notary public who notarized the document.
There are a number reasons why a notarized document can be rejected by the county clerk's office. Here are five most common reasons why your document can be rejected:
(1) The notarization is missing the venue
State of New York )
) ss.:
County of . . . . . . . )
(2) The notarization is missing acknowledgment or jurat. Below are sample New York State acknowledgment and jurat.
Sample Certificate of Acknowledgment:
State of New York )
) ss.:
County of . . . . . . . )
On the . . . . . . day of . . . . . . in the year 20 . . . . before me, the undersigned, personally appeared . . . . . ., personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their capacity(ies),
_______________ [Notary stamp]
Notary Signature
[Notary's name] Date:
Notary Public, State of New York
Registration.....
Qualified in ....... County
My commission expires ...
Sample Jurat
State of New York )
) ss.:
County of . . . . . . . )
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ........ day of ........, 20 ......
_______________ [Notary stamp]
Notary Signature
[Notary's name] Date:
Notary Public, State of New York
Registration.....
Qualified in ....... County
My commission expires ...
(3) The signature of the notary is different as compared to the sample signature filed with the county clerk's office. Please tell the notary that your document is intended for a New York apostille, and will be taken to the county clerk's office.
Notaries public are commissioned in their counties of residence. The county clerk maintains a record of the commission and sample signature. The public may then access this record and verify the “official” signature of the notary at the county clerk’s office. However, the signature of the notary can be verified only if it looks the same as the sample signature. The county clerk actually compares the signatures. In some counties the image of the signature is in the computer (Kings county), other counties (including NYC, Nassau and many others) still use the old fashioned card system.
(4) The remotely notarized document is missing the required statement:
“This electronic notarial act involved a remote online appearance involving the use of communication technology.”
(5) The remotely notarized document is missing the Certificate of Authenticity:
Certificate of Autheticity:
State of New York )
County of _________ )
On this ............ day of ................ in the year ............, I certify that the signature page of the attached record (entitled ......................) (dated ......................) is a true and correct copy of the signatures affixed to an electronic record printed by me or under my supervision. I further certify that, at the time of printing, no security features present on the electronic record indicated any changes or errors in an electronic signature in the electronic record after its creation or execution.
(Signature and title of notary public)
(official stamp or registration number, with the expiration date of the notary public’s commission)
The above five reasons for failure to complete the first step of the apostille procedure are not all-inclusive. There are many more. Please email your document for a free evaluation, and we will tell you if your document has been properly notarized and qualifies for a New York apostille or embassy legalization.
New York notary apostille: How do you prepare a New York personal or corporate power of attorney, affidavit, consent, copy of passport or ID, etc. for an apostille? Remote notarization and apostilles. Sample notarial certificates. Certificate of Authenitcity. Copy certification.
New York birth certificate apostille: How do you prepare a New York birth certificate for an apostille? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island apostilles for birth certificates. Apostilles for birth certificate issued outside the five boroughs of New York City. Short and long forms. Old and recently issued birth certificates. Exemplification letters.
New York marriage certificate apostille: Order a Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island marriage certificate with an apostille online. Apostilles for NYC marriage certificates: acceptable signatures. Marriage certificates issued outside the five boroughs of New York City. Short and extended marriage certificates.
New York State background check apostille: New York Statewide background check: order online, no fingerprints required. New York City Police good conduct certificates: apostille requirements. FBI background checks: can they be apostilled in New York?
We obtain apostilles for documents originating from all 21 New Jersey counties: Atlantic | Bergen | Burlington | Camden | Cape May | Cumberland | Essex | Gloucester | Hudson | Hunterdon | Mercer | Middlesex | Monmouth | Morris | Ocean | Passaic | Salem | Somerset | Sussex | Union | Warren
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Amazing service! Quick and reliable!
I needed a new marriage certified from the City of New York, and have it apostilled. Amazing service! Quick and reliable! Highly recommend it!
This company does what it advertises
Not me / Matthew / Google review Feb.2025
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Outstanding service...
Yuval Bugajski / Google review
I own a relocation agency in Paris, and for many French administrative procedures, birth and marriage certificates are crucial. Elena's outstanding service has been invaluable because obtaining these documents from Paris by ourselves is impossible.
Elena is professional, accurate and reliable. I've had the pleasure of working with her on numerous occasions, and I can confidently say she's someone you can completely trust, which is essential in any business partnership.
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100% recommended!
Rosannys Ruíz / Google review
They processed my request to apostile documents from Wyoming and delivered them on time. 100% recommended!
We are so happy that we had such easy going and positive experience
Ann / Google Review
Thank you for your professional work, Elena! We have got our apostille recently and we are so happy that we had such easy going and positive experience, I thought before that the word “apostille” it must be complicated for sure, but your approach and wonderful work has completely changed my opinion:)
I would give 10 stars if possible!
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Excelente
Diana Castillo / Google Review
Excelente
Fast dependable company
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Fast dependable company. NYC document sent and received at my door in a week. Thanks for your help.
I was under pressure to meet strict deadlines...
Katerina M., San Mateo, CA / Yelp review
I would give 10 stars if I could!
By far the very best agent for certifications and apostilles.
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I was nervous I sent my forms to a place I didn't know...
Eve L., Orlando, FL / Yelp review
So I just got back from the Dominican Republic where I got married! Anyways I live in Orlando Florida and was born in NYC... since I decided to get married in my spouses country I needed my birth certificate to be apostilled, I had my original birth certificate from 1995 in mint condition... NYC was requiring a letter of authentication and that I ordered a new birth certificate. That would have not been a problem if I wasn't short on time. I contacted foreign documents express and Elena assisted me with every question I had. She advised if my birth certificate was original she can have that one apostilled... I went with my gut instinct and I Fed ex the document to her 2 day on Friday November 17 (weekends don't count) and she got it on Monday November 20th... I was nervous I sent my forms to a place I didn't know , I didn't know if this was legit long story short on November 22, 2017 Elena emailed me advising my document was successfully apostilled and was on its way back to me via Fed ex 2 day shipping....Amazing considering it was thanksgiving week and I was flying out of the country shortly.
For my wedding on December 3rd. This was the best $125.00 I have ever spent. Elena was super patient with me and all my questions and remained very professional. I'm back and my wedding was perfect and the fact that all my paperwork was in order was one less thing I had to worry about. If I ever need this service for what ever it is I will trust it no questions asked!!!!! If you need your document apostilled for what ever reason please don't hesitate with doing business with Foreign Documents Express... I am One that leaves detailed reviews as we as humans love to complain about the negative but never take a moment to applaud excellence. Thank you Foreign Documents Express for helping me and thank you Elena for answering all my questions it felt good that even though you been doing this for years you didn't treat me like I had also, you are awesome. Just know your one of the few that made my special day come true and Foreign Documents Express is lucky to have you representing it!!!!
A number of times they were able to catch mistakes I had made in my request that would have caused problems in the other countries.
Michael Flink / LinkedIn review
I have needed quite a few documents legalized over the past few years to use in other countries. I have found this company to be extremely knowledgable and very fast at getting the work done correctly. A number of times they were able to catch mistakes I had made in my request that would have caused problems in the other countries. I would recommend Foreign Documents Express.
You are in good hands.
Cecilia Morozov / Google review
Well...where do I start? I could write a story!
This company is so professional and Elena is just to good at her job. In all honesty, I was a bit sceptical about this, so if you feel the same, please don't worry , these people know exactly what they are doing, you are in good hands.
I live in England, but I am married and divorced in The United States, and to make it even more interesting, I am a Romanian citizen, so I had to have my documents retrieved from the court that proclaimed my divorce in the states (a new legalized copy was needed for the apostille) and then I had to have it apostilled.
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They literally took care off everything, and within 6 weeks I had my documents delivered via FedEx , right on my door steps.
If you think it's pricey , well, it is not! I have saved so much personal time and travel time, I wouldn't of known where to start.
And only to mention, I have been in touch with other companies of such in the states, but they couldn't deliver what Foreign Documents Express was able to .
It is a bit of a shame that people don't leave more reviews, this company deserves good advertisement!
Simply amazing!
Julia Fagá Alves / Google review
Simply amazing! Elena made what I thought impossible, possible.
Prezzi molto onesti.
Janet Calì / Google review
Di solito non lascio recensioni ma questo servizio merita assolutamente le 5 stelle, davvero efficiente, mi sono trovata benissimo. Elena è molto disponibile, precisa e amichevole, pronta ad aiutare il cliente per qualsiasi informazione. Prezzi molto onesti. Consiglio fortemente questo servizio per chi ne necessita, grazie Elena!
Quick response and very fast service
Andres Ortiz / Google review
Absolute star! Quick response and very fast service in getting us an apostille for a marriage certificate. Trustable and clear all along the way, cannot recommend these guys any higher.
This is an excellent service, highly efficient, which keeps its word.
Martine Ronsac / Google review
This is an excellent service, highly efficient, which keeps its word. In view of an international marriage to be celebrated in France, my fiancé and I required an apostille for his NYC birth certificate. Foreign Documents Express replied forthwith to my request with a clear time frame for procurement. They also kept us informed throughout as to the progress of the procedure. And then they delivered, right on time. Who, as they say in the trade, could ask for anything more ?
Fast, friendly and best bang for your money.
peter kurt / Google review
The absolute best - fast, friendly and best bang for your money. I would repeat any day!
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
D
ana Bar /Google review
I highly recommend their services. Elena is fast, quick response and price is very reasonable.
I recommend this company highly, without reservation!
Oscar Jaeger /Google review
I needed to get an apostille for the death certificate of my client's father and Foreign Documents Express was able to obtain one practically overnight. The fee for their service was very reasonable. In addition, Elena was conscientious and courteous: after mailing the apostilled document to me and tracking it and learning that it had been left at my front door, she even wrote to me to make sure that I had actually received it. I recommend this company highly, without reservation!
Super fast and super efficient service.
Karan Gupta Consulting /Google review
You will not be able to find a better service than this. Super fast and super efficient service. Very reasonable and fair cost. Uber responsive to any query. Would highly recommend their services. For someone who has done their homework with other consultants, let me assure you that they are the best at what they do.
FDE provided excellent service
william Emanuel /Google review
FDE provided excellent service when I needed my documents authenticated at the Chinese consulate.
