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Capital Region Translations - Certified Translation Services
Written by Gabriel S. from Capital Region Translations. January, 2025
Apostille Services in New York State: Authenticate Your Documents for International Use
Are you planning to use your documents overseas? Whether for business, legal matters, or personal reasons, you might need an apostille. At Capital Region Translations, we provide comprehensive apostille services in New York State, simplifying the process and ensuring your documents are accepted internationally.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It's issued by a designated authority, such as the New York Secretary of State, and is recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This eliminates the need for lengthy legalization procedures, making your documents valid in participating countries.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You typically need an apostille for documents that will be used in the following situations:
Legal Matters: Court documents, contracts, powers of attorney.
Business Transactions: Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, commercial invoices.
Education: Diplomas, transcripts, degrees.
Vital Records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates.
Immigration: Visas, residency permits, citizenship applications.
Example: If you're adopting a child from another country, you'll likely need an apostille on the adoption decree to finalize the process in the foreign country.
Why Choose Capital Region Translations for Your Apostille Needs?
Experience and Expertise: We have extensive experience navigating the apostille process in New York State.
Efficiency: We handle the paperwork and submission process, saving you time and effort.
Fast Turnaround: We offer expedited services to meet urgent deadlines.
Competitive Pricing: We provide transparent and competitive pricing.
Personalized Service: We guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Albany, NY, and Statewide Service: We serve clients throughout New York State, with a convenient location in Albany.
.1st apostilled document: $275, each additional document: $50.
Fee includes Secretary of State cost, notarization and domestic shipping
Documents We Frequently Apostille
State-Issued Documents: Documents issued by New York State agencies, such as the Department of Health (birth certificates) or the Department of Education (diplomas).
County Clerk Documents: Documents notarized or certified by a County Clerk in New York State.
Federal Documents: FBI background checks, IRS documents, and other federal documents.
Example: If you need to use your New York State driver's license in Spain, you'll need to get an apostille from the New York Department of State.
* Many legalized documents submitted abroad require certified translation services. Capital Region Translations provides professional translation services in over 150 languages.*Â
The Apostille Process in New York
Document Preparation: Ensure your document is an original or a certified copy.
Notarization (if required): Some documents may require notarization before they can be apostilled.
County Clerk Authentication (if required): Documents notarized by a New York notary public must be authenticated by the County Clerk before being apostilled.
Secretary of State Authentication: The final step is to submit the document to the New York Secretary of State for apostille issuance.
Important Note: We can handle the entire process for you, including notarization and County Clerk authentication if needed.
Apostille Services in Albany, NY
Our professional network in Albany provides convenient access to apostille services for clients in the Capital Region. We can also assist clients throughout New York State via mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get an apostille?
A: The standard processing time for the New York Secretary of State is 7-10 business days. We offer expedited services that can take as little as 1-2 business days.
Q: How much does an apostille cost?
A: The New York Secretary of State charges $10 per document. Our service fees vary depending on the complexity of the process and whether you need additional services like notarization or County Clerk authentication.
Q: What countries recognize apostilles?
A: Apostilles are recognized by over 100 countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. You can find a list of these countries on the Hague Conference website.