Apostille Process for
International Documents
A step-by-step guide to getting your documents apostilled in New York for use abroad — notarization, NYS apostille, and submission to foreign authorities.
The 4-Step Apostille Process
Notarization is step one — we handle it same day.
Notarize the document
The document must first be notarized by a NYS-commissioned notary. This can be done via secure video call (RON) in 15 minutes, same day, 24/7. The notary witnesses your signature and applies their seal.
Submit to the NY Secretary of State
The notarized document is submitted to the New York Department of State for the apostille certificate. The DOS verifies the notary's commission and attaches the apostille. In-person expedited processing is available at 123 William Street, NYC (same-day or next-day). Mail processing takes 4–6 weeks.
Receive the apostille certificate
The apostille is a standardized certificate (Annex to the Hague Convention) attached to or stamped on the document. It certifies the authenticity of the notary's signature and commission — not the content of the document.
Submit to the foreign authority
The apostilled document is now ready for submission to the foreign government, embassy, consulate, court, or institution. No further authentication (legalization) is required in any of the 124 Hague Convention member countries.
NY DOS Apostille Office: 123 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Expedited in-person processing: same-day or next-day. Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm. dos.ny.gov
Documents Commonly Apostilled
Property, financial, or legal matters abroad
Vital records for foreign authorities
Foreign employment, immigration, or study
Foreign visa, residency, or employment applications
International business registration or agreements
Immigration, legal proceedings, or consular submissions
Property transactions in Hague Convention countries
Foreign legal proceedings or enforcement
Countries That Accept a New York Apostille
All 124 Hague Convention signatories accept a NYS apostille. Common destinations include:
+ 99 more Hague Convention countries. See the full country list →
Apostille Process — FAQ
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by a state government (in New York, the Secretary of State) that authenticates the signature and seal of a notary public. It is the internationally recognized form of document authentication under the 1961 Hague Convention, accepted in 124 member countries without further legalization.
What is the difference between notarization and apostille?
Notarization is the first step — a notary witnesses your signature and applies their seal. An apostille is a second-level authentication issued by the state government that certifies the notary's credentials. Both are typically required for documents to be used in a foreign country.
How long does the apostille process take in New York?
In-person expedited processing at the NY DOS office (123 William Street, NYC) is same-day or next-day. Mail processing takes 4–6 weeks. Notarization by Remote Notary Online USA is same-day, 24/7.
Does every country accept a New York apostille?
All 124 countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention accept a New York apostille. For countries that are not Hague members, a different process called legalization (or chain authentication) is required — contact the destination country's embassy for details.
Can I get an apostille for a document in a foreign language?
Yes. The apostille authenticates the notary's signature — not the content of the document. A foreign-language document can be notarized and apostilled. The receiving country may also require a certified translation of the document itself.
Can I get my document notarized and apostilled the same day?
Yes. Remote Notary Online USA can notarize your document via video call same day, 24/7. The NY DOS offers same-day expedited apostille processing in person at 123 William Street, NYC.
Related Apostille Services
Ready to Start the Apostille Process?
Step one is notarization — book a 15-minute video session, same day, 24/7.