The required preparation and apostille process varies significantly by document type. Start here to avoid the most common mistakes.
Not all documents are apostilled the same way. A birth certificate goes directly to the state SOS with no extra steps; a diploma requires a notarized letter from a school official first; an FBI background check bypasses the state entirely and goes to the U.S. Department of State. Find your document type below.
Certified state copy, no notarization. Required for OCI, dual citizenship, international marriage.
State vital records → State SOSCertified copy from county clerk or vital records. Required for spousal visas, name changes abroad.
State vital records → State SOSFederal document — goes to U.S. Department of State, NOT your state SOS. Required for most work visas.
FBI → U.S. Dept of StateCannot apostille directly — requires notarized letter from school official first.
School → Notary → State SOSMust be notarized by a commissioned state notary before apostille.
Notary → State SOSCertified copy from state vital records. Common for international estate matters.
State vital records → State SOSClerk-certified copy from issuing court. Note: higher apostille fee in some states.
Court clerk cert → State SOSClerk-certified copy required. Federal court orders go to U.S. Department of State.
Court clerk cert → State SOS| Document | Pre-Apostille Step | Apostille Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | None — certified vital record direct | State SOS (state where born) |
| Marriage Certificate | None — certified vital record direct | State SOS (state where married) |
| Death Certificate | None — certified vital record direct | State SOS (state where died) |
| FBI Background Check | Order certified version from FBI portal | U.S. Department of State (federal) |
| Diploma / Transcript | Notarized school official letter | State SOS (state where notarized) |
| Power of Attorney | Notarize with commissioned state notary | State SOS (state of notary commission) |
| Divorce Decree | Clerk-certified copy from court | State SOS (state where divorce granted) |
| Court Order | Clerk-certified copy from court | State SOS (or U.S. DOS if federal court) |