Apostille - What is the Notary's role?
Apostille
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Arizona Secretary of State to authenticate the origin of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
🔏 Notary's Role in the Apostille Process
✔️ Notarize documents that require it (we do not issue apostilles).
✔️ Use proper Arizona notarial certificate wording.
✔️ Do not certify vital records or official court documents – those must come directly from the issuing agency.
✔️ You may notarize a copy certification by document custodian (e.g., for diplomas, IDs).
📜 Documents That Require Notarization
- Power of Attorney
- Affidavit or sworn statement
- Translations with translator affidavit
- Diplomas/transcripts (if not signed by school official)
- Copy of ID/passport with custodian affidavit
📄 Documents That Do Not Require Notarization
- Certified vital records (birth, marriage, death from ADHS)
- Certified court records (with raised seal)
- School documents signed by a school official
- AZ DPS criminal background check (signed by DPS official)
✉️ Where to Send Apostille Requests (Arizona)
Arizona Secretary of State – Apostille Division
1700 W. Washington Street, 7th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007
📞 (602) 542-6187
🌐 https://azsos.gov/business/authentication
Include the following:
- The original notarized or official document
- A cover letter with your name, contact, and destination country
- Check or money order: $3 per apostille (payable to Secretary of State)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return
