Apostille For Police Clearance Certificates
An apostille is a apostille U.S. government records that internationally authenticates documents and certificates that are used in countries that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The apostille procedure is streamlined for the states that have signed the convention and makes it much easier to use your official documents in another country. In the United States, all state documents (including NYS criminal background checks from DCJS) and federal documents need an apostille for use in any country that has signed the treaty.
What is the difference between apostilles and authentication certificates?
Apostilles and authentication certificates verify signatures, stamps and seals on important documents such as court orders, contracts, vital records and educational diplomas. The type of document and the country where it will be used determines which certificate this office must attach to the original document.
The NDNY only authenticates public documents that will be used in countries that have signed the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Receipt of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Documents that will be used in countries that have not joined the convention require a Certificate of Authentication from your state’s secretary of state. An apostille or Certificate of Authentication is a single page document that includes a blue laser printed facsimile of the New York Department of State Seal.
About the Author
