What if you have a document notarized by a North Carolina notary or issued by NC state government authorities, no matter it is a wills to inherit a property overseas, a divorce judgment, or a marraige/death certificate, you need to have it authenticated before the foreign country can accept it as a true and genuine copy that has been property notarized. Usually, this document needs to be notarized or issued by your local state authority, then it needs to be authenticated/apostilled by the Secretary of State office of North Carolina, and the last step is, it also needs to be authenticed by US Department of State. You can imagine the time, costs and the steps this lenghty process might take.
A good news is that if the country you intend to use the document is a Hague Convention member country, you can bypass the third step, and simply apply for an apostille certificate from the North Carolina Secretary of State to authenticate the document. And You don't have to go to the foreign country's Embassy/Consulate Office to get the document authenticated or notarized anymore.
Instead, simply follow these specific steps and you will be able to submit your original notarized document + Apostille Certificate issued by NC Secretary of State Office to the foreign country, and that will save you a lot of time, costs and energy to get your tasks done.
Don't know if a country is a Hague Convention member? Search and find out by clicking below:
Step 1: Notarize Your Document Have your document notarized by a commissioned notary public in North Carolina.
Step 2: Obtain a Certified Copy If your document is not an original, obtain a certified copy from the appropriate issuing authority. For example, if it's a birth certificate, get a certified copy from the Vital Records office.
Step 3: Get an Appostille Certificate from NC Secretary of State Write a cover letter addressed to the North Carolina Secretary of State. Include your name, address, phone number, email address, the country where the document will be used, and a brief explanation of the documents you are sending for apostille.
Step 4: Complete the Authentication Request Form and Submit Documents
Cover Letter
Payment in form of money order or check (Check the North Carolina Secretary of State website for the current fee schedule and accepted payment methods).
The original document(s) with all certifications attached
A return pre-paid envelope or carrier label (see Delivery Policy on Authentications Home Page).
Documents may be directed on to a third party as a convenience. Please include that information on the cover letter and address the pre-paid envelope to the third party.
Step 5: Mail Your Documents Send the original notarized document or the certified copy, the completed Authentication Request Form, the cover letter, and the payment to the following address: North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State
Authentications Office
2 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
For details: https://www.sosnc.gov/frequently_asked_questions/by_title/_authentications_getting_documents
Step 6: Await Processing
Wait for the processing of your documents. The processing time can vary, so check the Secretary of State's website for estimated processing times.
Step 7: Receive Your Apostilled Document
Once the apostille is attached, the documents will be mailed back to you. Ensure that the apostille is properly affixed to your document before sending it to foreign countries.
Step 8: Verify the Apostille
Before using the document in the foreign country, verify that the apostille is correct, legible, and includes the necessary information, such as the Secretary of State's seal and signature.
It's essential to consult the official website of the North Carolina Secretary of State at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentications/Apostille_Certificates or contact their office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, processing times, and requirements specific to your situation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office for further details and we are happy to help you to get your documents authenticated.
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