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In 1961 many nations joined to create a simplified method of “legalizing” documents for universal recognition. This group of nations is known as the Hague Convention. They adopted a document referred to as an apostille that is internationally recognized by all member nations. Documents sent to member nations, completed with an apostille at the state level, may be submitted directly to the member nation without further action. Documents sent to non-member nations require a certification (vs. an apostille) of the official’s signature. This is done at the state level and then needs to be transmitted to the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. and then on to the specific embassy or consulate.

Requirements for international documents:

Hague Convention Countries:
- Acknowledged before a notary public
- Notary authentication by the clerk of the county in which the notary is commissioned
- Apostilled by Secretary of State of the state in which the document is executed

Non-Hague Convention Countries:
- Acknowledged before a notary public
- Notary authentication by the clerk of the county in which the notary is commissioned
- Certified by Secretary of State of the state in which the document is executed
- U.S. Department of State will authenticate the document
- Document will be legalized by the embassy or consulate

List of Countries and Territories Participating in Hague Convention

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