An Apostille is a federal papers apostille used to authenticate documents like diplomas, official transcripts and enrollment/graduation verification letters for use in certain foreign countries. The apostille confirms the signature and position of the official who signed, issued or certified the document for use abroad. This process can be complex and time consuming. It is recommended that you consult the receiving organization to verify what type of documentation they require.

Students should first check with the country they will be working or studying in to determine what type of authentication is needed. Most countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents will recognize apostilles. This simplifies the process of having your academic transcripts and diplomas accepted overseas.

If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, you will need a Certificate of Authenticity. This is a process that requires the signatures of the original document, the notary and the county clerk. These are all done in person and there are fees associated with this.

Transcripts and diplomas that are being sent to a country that is not a member of the Hague convention must be notarized at John Jay College before an Apostille can be applied. This can be a time consuming and expensive process.

For international students who are unable to come into the office in person, we work with Apoling Solutions, a full-service apostille and translation company that will retrieve your documents, order certified copies, apostille or authenticate them, translate them, and get them back to you. They are familiar with the requirements of each country and can save you time and money.