APOSTILLES and NOTARY CERTIFICATIONS

How to Obtain an Apostille or Certification:

1. Obtain the original or certified copy of the document bearing the original notarization or certification by the public official.
   
   Important Notes:
   Obtain vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, death, etc.) from January 1, 1917 forward from the NJ Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registry (609.292.4087). For vital records dated prior to January 1, 1917, contact the New Jersey State Archives.
   
   We cannot issue Apostilles or certifications for vital records from other states. Have out-of-state records authenticated in the state of origin.
   
   For documents in languages other than English, we recommend that you attach a notarized English translation. Note that if you attach a notarized translation to a vital record, we will issue two Apostilles/Certifications, and that we will assess two fees (see table below for fees).
   
   Submit notarized documents with the original (inked) signature of the NJ Notary Public and the original (inked) signature of the person who presented the document for notarization.
   
   
2. If you intend to hand-deliver your document, fill out the Service Request and Control Receipt Form available at the front desk in our lobby, (33 West State Street, 5th floor), otherwise go to Step 3. The Division’s walk-in lobby hours are 8:30 am through 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The lobby is closed on all State holidays.
   
   
3. Complete the Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form. *Please note that the chosen Service Option has a direct effect on the processing time frame. View Service Options and the corresponding processing times.
   
   
   
   
4. Attach the document(s) to the Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form.
   
   
5. Per the Service Option Table below, select a service option and delivery method, and then determine the fee amount.
   
   

   WARNING: If you use Priority. Express Mail or certified mail from the United States Postal Service, note that the USPS does not deliver to or pick up directly from our office. We treat requests received via Priority or Express Mail from the United States Postal Service as regular mail and the regular mail processing time applies to all such requests. Regular mail delivery time may take up to 15 days from mail in date to date of receipt.

6. Write out a check made payable to the “Treasurer, State of New Jersey” for the selected fee amount.
   
   
7. On your request form, indicate how you wish to receive your completed work – regular mail (include self-addressed envelope) or private express service/courier (include appropriate self-addressed, pre-paid envelope). Note that unless the Division receives instructions to the contrary, we return all completed requests via regular mail, including expedited work.
   
   
8. Package and send your request. Include:
   Request form with document attached
   Check for the fee
   Return envelope if you are not picking up (self-addressed envelope for regular mail or self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for private carrier, with customer as the sender and bill-to party)

Service Options: