|
Procedures for Obtaining an Apostille
Authentications are often called “legalizations,” sometimes
“incumbencies” or “certifications.” As Apostille is a form
of authentication appropriate to countries which have signed
the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of
Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. They are often
needed in adoptions, extraditions, applications for jobs or
graduate programs abroad, and certain business transactions.
The essence of these documents is an official statement that
an officeholder held a particular office at a particular
time. (A more comprehensive description of the Apostille is
available at
state.gov/m/a/auth/c16921.htm)
In order to be able to issue authentications, the Secretary
of the Commonwealth keeps on file the qualification document
for the particular official the swearing –in paper.
Officials covered include notaries public, high level
appointees such as Commissioners, members of boards and
commissions, dedimus justices, legislators, Constitutional
Officers, and certain local offices. The proper heading for
this authentication is:
APOSTILLE
(Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961)
A student or graduate wishing to obtain an Apostille should
write the Office of the University Registrar requesting that
the authentication be attached to a particular document
mentioning the country to which it is being sent; this is
usually a transcript or statement of certification or
graduation. (If you make a copy of a diploma please ensure
that it is as large and clear as possible.) The cost
associated with the preparation of this statement is US$35
cash or personal check drawn on a U.S. bank for each
Apostille requested. Our office will prepare the document
normally except that the signature and embossed seal over
the signature are affixed in the presence of a notary
public. The notarized documents are then sent along with a
check for the charges to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
with a cover letter explaining what is needed including the
name of the country in which the Apostille is expected to be
used. Once we are in receipt of the Apostille, the original
documents and have received student’s payment, we will send
the entire package to the originally requested address. This
process usually takes one to two weeks.
|
