How to Get an Apostille in North Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to use a North Carolina document overseas—for immigration, marriage, employment, education, business, or property matters—you will usually need an apostille. North Carolina’s process is efficient, but documents must be prepared correctly to avoid delays or rejection.
This article explains what an apostille is, when it’s required, and how to obtain an apostille in North Carolina.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention. It authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document so that 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 and more complex process.
Who Issues Apostilles in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, apostilles are issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State can issue apostilles for:
- Public documents issued by North Carolina authorities, and
- Documents notarised by a North Carolina Notary Public.
Common Documents Apostilled in North Carolina
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 (Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Existence)
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
North Carolina Public Records
Documents such as birth or marriage certificates must be:
- Certified copies issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or a county Register of Deeds
- Signed by an official whose signature is on file with the Secretary of State
Photocopies are not accepted.
Notarised Documents
Private documents (such as affidavits or powers of attorney) must be:
- Notarised by a North Carolina Notary Public
- Executed with correct North Carolina-compliant notarial wording
Incorrect notarisation is one of the most common reasons for apostille rejection.
Step 3: Submit the Apostille Request
North Carolina accepts apostille requests by mail or in person.
1. By Mail (Most Common)
You must submit:
- The original document
- A completed Apostille Request Form
- Payment
- A self-addressed prepaid return envelope
Mail processing times vary depending on workload and postal delivery.
2. In Person (Faster Option)
You may submit documents in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Walk-ins are generally accepted
- Same-day or next-business-day processing is often available
This option is ideal for urgent requests.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
As at the time of writing, North Carolina 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 North Carolina
- Submitting uncertified copies of public records
- Incorrect or missing notarial wording
- Assuming an apostille works for non-Hague countries
- Laminating documents (this invalidates them)
Does a North Carolina Apostille Expire?
An apostille itself does not expire, but:
- The underlying document may have its own validity period (for example, police checks)
- Some countries impose their own acceptance time limits
Always confirm requirements with the receiving authority.