An Apostille service is used to certify/authenticate documents like official transcripts, diplomas, and enrollment verification letters for use in foreign countries. The Apostille confirms the signature and position of the official who has issued a copy of the document.

 

Relay students and alumni will only need to obtain an Apostille if the organization receiving the documents requires them to provide one.

 

There will be a fee of $50 per document charged by Relay for this service. Please note Relay provides the notarized documents only, not the apostille itself.

 

Apostille requests can take up to 6+ weeks; however, additional time may be required for processing between May and October.

 

Step 1: Request Notarized Relay Documents

 

To begin the Apostille process you will need to have your transcript, enrollment verification letter, and/or diploma notarized. The Registrar’s Office can notarize the documents for you.

 

To receive a notarized:

 

• Official transcript, submit a transcript order here.

  • Make sure to select “Myself” under the “Who are you sending your transcript to?” question.

  • Please note, this order can take up to 3 weeks or longer.

 

• Diploma, order through our diploma vendor, Michael Sutter.  

  • If you graduated on or after June 2023, you can search for your diploma using your Relay Student ID and Last Name.

  • If you graduated prior to June 2023, you will need to request a secure ID before ordering.

  • Once you have searched for your diploma or received your secure ID, select “notary service” in the lower right corner of the order page (see screenshot here).

 

• Enrollment verification letter, complete the request form.

  • In the “additional details” section of the form, make sure to include that this document is needed for an Apostille.

  • Please note, this request can take up to 3 weeks.

  • You will be sent a bill from Relay’s Graduate Billing Services for the service. Once paid in full, the Registrar’s Office will fulfill and release the document to you (via mail).

 

Step 2: Receive Notarized Relay Documents

 

You will be required to provide an email or mailing address to which the notarized documents should be sent to. 

 

At this point, you may either continue on with directions you’ve received from the requesting agency, or follow the following terms to secure an apostille seal. 

 

Step 3: Certify with the County Clerk

 

When you have your notarized document, take it to the County Clerk’s office to have the signature of the notary public certified. You must submit the document to the County Clerk of the county where the notary is qualified. If you are mailing your application, you must also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. You will be charged a per document fee by the County Clerk’s office.

 

Step 4: Go to the NY Department of State to Receive the Apostille

 

After your document has been certified by the County Clerk’s office, you must take it to the New York Department of State. This office will affix the Apostille to your documents. The Department of State also charges a per document fee.

 

Learn more about the New York Department of State’s office before your visit or before mailing your documents.

 

If the foreign country where you will be working or studying accepts an Apostille, your document is now certified for use.

 

Step 5 (if needed): Further Authentication, If Needed

 

Some foreign countries require the document to be authenticated in addition to receiving an Apostille. If your document requires authentication, you must take it to the United States Department of State, Authentications Office. The Authentications Office will authenticate the document by issuing a certificate under the Seal of the U.S. Department of State. The Department of State has a per document fee, as well.