How to Get an Apostille in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to use a Georgia-issued document overseas—for immigration, marriage, employment, education, business, or property matters—you will usually be required to obtain an apostille. Georgia’s process is efficient and well-defined, but documents must be prepared correctly to avoid rejection.
This article explains what an apostille is, when you need one, and exactly how to obtain an apostille in Georgia.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document so it can be legally recognised in another Hague Convention country.
If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, the document must instead go through consular legalisation, which is a different process.
Who Issues Apostilles in Georgia?
In Georgia, apostilles are issued by the Georgia Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State can issue apostilles for:
- Public documents issued by Georgia authorities, and
- Documents notarised by a Georgia Notary Public.
Common Documents Apostilled in Georgia
You may need an apostille for:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Divorce decrees and court orders
- FBI background checks (once properly notarised or certified)
- University diplomas and academic transcripts
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Corporate documents (Certificates of Existence, Articles of Incorporation)
Step 1: Confirm the Destination Country
Before starting, confirm whether the country where the document will be used is a Hague Apostille Convention country.
- Hague country → Apostille required
- Non-Hague country → Consular legalisation required
An apostille is not valid for non-Hague countries.
Step 2: Prepare the Document Properly
Georgia Public Records
Documents such as birth or marriage certificates must be:
- Certified copies issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health or a Georgia county probate court
- Signed by an official whose signature is on file with the Secretary of State
Photocopies are not accepted.
Notarised Documents
Private documents (e.g. affidavits or powers of attorney) must be:
- Notarised by a Georgia Notary Public
- Executed with correct Georgia-compliant notarial wording
Improper notarisation is one of the most common causes of apostille rejection.
Step 3: Submit the Apostille Request
Georgia allows apostille requests by mail or in person.
1. In Person (Fastest Option)
You may submit documents in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Same-day processing is often available
- Ideal for urgent requests
- Walk-ins are generally accepted
2. By Mail
Mail submissions must include:
- The original document
- A completed Apostille / Authentication Request Form
- Payment
- A self-addressed prepaid return envelope
Mail processing times vary depending on volume and delivery speed.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
As at the time of writing, Georgia charges:
- USD $3 per apostille (one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States)
Additional costs may apply for:
- Courier or express mailing services
- Professional apostille or notary assistance
Step 5: Receive and Use the Apostilled Document
Once issued, the apostille is:
- Attached directly to the document, or
- Issued as a separate certificate referencing it
The document can then be used directly in the destination Hague Convention country without further authentication.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a notary commissioned outside Georgia
- Submitting uncertified copies of public records
- Incorrect or incomplete notarial wording
- Assuming an apostille works for non-Hague countries
- Laminating documents (this invalidates them)
Does a Georgia Apostille Expire?
An apostille itself does not expire, but:
- The underlying document may have its own validity limits (for example, police checks)
- Some countries impose their own acceptance timeframes
Always confirm requirements with the receiving authority.