North Carolina Apostille FAQ
Answers to common questions about the apostille process in North Carolina.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature, seal, or stamp on the document so it is recognized by foreign governments.
How do I get an apostille in North Carolina?
To get an apostille in North Carolina, submit your document to the NC Secretary of State. The document must bear an original signature from a recognized NC official or notary public. You can submit in person in Raleigh or by mail.
What documents can be apostilled in North Carolina?
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, FBI background checks, corporate documents (articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing), powers of attorney, diplomas, and transcripts.
How long does the NC apostille process take?
In-person requests at the NC Secretary of State office in Raleigh are typically processed the same day. Mail-in requests generally take 5-10 business days, not including mailing time.
How much does an apostille cost in North Carolina?
The NC Secretary of State charges $10 per apostille. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, shipping, or if you use a professional apostille service.
Can I get an apostille for a federal document in North Carolina?
No. Federal documents such as FBI background checks, patents, and federal court orders must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by the NC Secretary of State.
What is the difference between an apostille and authentication?
An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Authentication (or legalization) is required for non-Hague countries and involves a multi-step process through the Secretary of State and the destination country embassy or consulate.
Do I need to notarize my document before getting an apostille?
It depends on the document. Certified copies from government agencies generally do not need separate notarization. However, private documents such as powers of attorney or affidavits must be notarized by a North Carolina notary public before an apostille can be issued.
Can I apostille a photocopy of my document?
You cannot apostille a plain photocopy. However, you can have a notary public create a notarized copy of the original document, and then that notarized copy can receive an apostille from the NC Secretary of State.
Which countries accept a North Carolina apostille?
Any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention will accept a North Carolina apostille. This includes over 120 countries such as Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and many more.