Authentications by Apostille

The Secretary of State's office is authorized by state law to authenticate a document that has either been notarized by a North Dakota notary or is a certified copy of an official document from North Dakota, which is intended to be used in a foreign country by issuing a special certification known as an "Apostille" under the Hague Convention of 1961.

Prior to authenticating a document, the Secretary of State must receive the original documents, a letter accompanying the documents specifying for which country the document is intended and a fee of $10 per Apostille authentication.

Authentications by Apostille for School Record

Authentications by Apostille can also be issued on a diploma received by an individual. In order for the Secretary of State's office to complete an Authentication by Apostille for a school record, the following must be submitted:

1. Copy of the transcript, including:
   1. Student's full name;
   2. Numerical class year in school (e.g. 9, 10, 11, 12);
   3. Academic year (e.g. 2010 – 2011); and
   4. School's name and address.
2. Copy of the school's certificate (e.g. diploma).
3. Official letter signed by the principal or individual who has the same authority, which contains:
   1. Official school seal;
   2. Student's full name; and
   3. Statement that the student has met all the requirements of the school.
4. An original acknowledgement page attached to each of the above documents. The principal of the school or individual who has the same authority must affix his or her signature to each acknowledgement before the same Notary Public for all three acknowledgement pages.
5. Cover letter to the Secretary of State's office, which clearly states:
   1. Country the document will be used in;
   2. Name and contact information of an individual to contact with any questions; and
   3. Specific instructions as to where the authentication is to be mailed.
6. $10 fee for each authentication.

Please do not staple the documents submitted for Authentication by Apostille. After the documents and fee are received, the Secretary of State's office will certify that the Notary Public is a duly commissioned officer of the State of North Dakota and will then complete the authentication procedure. These instructions are mailed to schools and colleges in April each year.

If you wish, this office will review the documents for proper form prior to their submittal for an Apostille. Send a scanned copy via email to sosaccnot@nd.gov or by fax to (701) 328-0107, along with your name and contact information.

Documents submitted for Authentication by Apostille are usually processed within three business days and are returned by United States Postal Service first class mail. If you prefer expedited return service, such as overnight or priority delivery, please submit the following with your request for Authentication by Apostille:

1. Name of the carrier.
2. Prepaid shipping label or account number; and
3. Shipping envelope for the carrier.