How to Get an Authentication (or Apostille)

​​​When a document is to go to a foreign country, it might need its notariza​tion or official certification authenticated. Some countries call this an apostille. ​

Download Request for Authentication Form 

Review the information below to be sure your document meets requirements for authentication before submitting to our office.

Authenticating an Oregon Notarization

The procedure is simple.

  • Submit the original, notarized document to us using one of our delivery options. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • The document must include a complete notarial certificate.
  • The fee is $10 for each apostille. You need a separate apostille/authentication for each notarized document, but one request form is acceptable when you clearly list your documents.

Authenticating an Oregon Vital Record

When you need a vital record of a birth or death certificate authenticated, you must first get a certified copy of the record from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics or the Oregon county where the event took place. The certificate must be an original certified copy and cannot be a photocopy. 

Original certified copies of marriage or dissolution of marriage certificates are available from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics​. Documents from the county must include the printed name of the clerk certifying the copy to be authenticated.

After you get the document, send the certified copy to us using one of our delivery options. (For faster turnaround time, we accept documents via FedEx or UPS.) The fee is $10 for each apostille. You need a separate apostille/authentication for each notarized document, but one request form is acceptable when you clearly list your documents.

Authenticating a Transcript or Diploma

When you need an Oregon high school or college transcript or diploma authenticated, you must have the person in charge of the records at the institution, normally the registrar, sign on the record a statement certifying its authenticity and have it notarized.

Send the original, notarized document to us using one of our delivery options​. The fee is $10 for each apostille. You need a separate apostille/authentication for each notarized document, but one request form is acceptable when you clearly list your documents.

International Apostille Certificate Format

The Secretary of State uses the Model Apostille Certificate of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, processed according to the national Uniform Apostille Standards.

See a sample certificate

Delivery options for your apostille request

A​postille and Authentication Brochure

Apostilles and Authentication

Spanish Language Brochure

Servicios de Apostillas y A​utenticación

Russian Language Brochure