How to get an apostille in New Jersey

Sending a New Jersey document to another country? Many countries require an apostille — a certificate that confirms the document's signature or seal is genuine. Here's how the process works.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is issued under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. Countries that belong to the convention (including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Spain and many more) accept an apostille instead of a longer embassy legalization process.

Who issues apostilles for New Jersey documents?

For documents issued or notarized in New Jersey, apostilles come from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. A notary cannot issue an apostille.

The issuing office depends on where the document came from:

• New Jersey documents (NJ vital records, NJ court documents, documents notarized by a NJ notary) — NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
• Documents from another state — that state's apostille office (usually the Secretary of State).
• Federal documents (such as an FBI background check) — the U.S. Department of State.

Step by step

1. Get the right document

   For birth, marriage or death records, request a certified copy from the issuing office. A photocopy won't work.

2. Notarize if needed

   Private documents — powers of attorney, affidavits, school letters — must be signed before a New Jersey notary.

3. Check current rules

   Review the Division of Revenue's current requirements, forms and fees before you send anything.

4. Submit

   Send or deliver the document with the request form and fee, and keep a copy for your records.

Where we can help

We can notarize your power of attorney, affidavit or other private document so it's ready to submit, and we can translate documents between Spanish and English. We don't submit apostille requests or advise on which documents a foreign country requires — the receiving authority or a licensed attorney can confirm that.

What if the country isn't a Hague member?

Countries outside the convention usually require authentication and legalization instead — typically a state or federal certification followed by a stamp from that country's embassy or consulate. Check with the consulate first.

Do I also need a translation?

Often, yes, if the document is going to a Spanish-speaking country. Ask the receiving office whether the translation should be done before or after the apostille, and whether it must be done by a translator in that country.

Related

• Notary services
• Spanish ⇄ English translation
• What ID do you need for a notary?