How to Get an Apostille in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to use a Michigan-issued document overseas—for immigration, marriage, employment, education, business, or property purposes—you will usually be required to obtain an apostille. Michigan’s process is relatively straightforward, but it has a few state-specific requirements that are important to understand.
This article explains what an apostille is, when you need one, and how to obtain a Michigan apostille correctly.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official authentication certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document is genuine, allowing that document to be recognised in another Hague Convention country.
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the document must instead undergo consular legalisation, which is a different process.
Who Issues Apostilles in Michigan?
In Michigan, apostilles are issued by the Michigan Department of State.
The Department of State can issue apostilles for:
- Public documents issued by Michigan authorities, and
- Documents notarised by a Michigan Notary Public.
Common Documents Apostilled in Michigan
You may need an apostille for:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Divorce judgments 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 Good Standing, 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 Correctly
Michigan Public Records
Documents such as birth or marriage certificates must be:
- Certified copies issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or a county clerk
- Signed by an official whose signature is on file with the Department of State
Photocopies are not accepted.
Notarised Documents
Private documents (such as affidavits or powers of attorney) must be:
- Notarised by a Michigan Notary Public
- Executed with correct Michigan-compliant notarial wording
Incorrect notarisation is one of the most common reasons for apostille rejection.
Step 3: Submit the Apostille Request
Michigan accepts apostille requests by mail or in person.
1. By Mail (Most Common)
Submit:
- The original document
- A completed Apostille Request Form
- Payment
- A self-addressed prepaid return envelope
Mail processing times vary depending on volume and postal delivery.
2. In Person (Faster Option)
You may submit documents in person at the Michigan Department of State office in Lansing, Michigan.
- Walk-ins are generally accepted
- Same-day or next-business-day processing is often available
This is the best option for urgent requests.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
As at the time of writing, Michigan charges:
- USD $10 per apostille
Additional costs may apply for:
- Courier or express return 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 Michigan
- 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 Michigan 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 check the requirements of the receiving authority.