# FAQs: Attesting Documents > Frequently asked questions about authenticating documents and obtaining Apostille Stamps in #STATE3# - vital records, divorce judgements, certificates of good standing and degrees issued by #STATE3# universities. **Source** [FAQs - Authenticating New York documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-faqs)> **Related:** [New York Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-authentication) · [Apostille New York Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-vital-records) · [Apostille New York University and School Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-school-records) · [Apostille New York Incorporation Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-incorporation-documents) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille from New York? New York Apostille Stamps can normally be obtained in **1 - 2 business days** (NEW YORK: Apostilles and Authentications are obtained from the New York Secretary of State in 1-2 business days. Apostilles on notarized documents requiring prior certification by the county clerk, take around 5-10 business days. NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) Isarey submits all client documents physically to the New York Department of State in Manhattan to ensure expedited processing, whereas documents submitted to the Department of State by mail can take up to 4 weeks. ### How can I verify the authenticity of New York apostilles? Apostilles issued by the New York Department of State on or after April 9, 2013 can be verified online. To verify Apostilled issued before April 9, 2013, contact the New York Department of State by phone: [Verify a New York Apostille or Certificate of Authentication](https://appext20.dos.ny.gov/apostille_verify_public/ApostilleVerify.aspx) ### What documents can be certified in New York with an Apostille Stamp? The New York Department of State issues Apostilles to certify birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates issued in New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) and across New York State. Apostilles are issued for notarized documents, including school records and university diplomas, certified by a New York County Clerk, certified copies of corporate documents filed with the Division of Corporations (including certificates of incorporation and articles of organization), Certificate of Status (good standing) and New York background checks from the Division of Criminal Justice Services.To confirm whether your document is valid for an Apostille Stamp, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free document check. ### Will an apostille stamp from New York be accepted abroad? If documents are required for submission to the authorities or consulate of a signatory country of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention), an apostille stamp affixed by the Secretary of State of will generally be recognized directly as confirming authenticity, although a [certified translation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/certified-sworn-translations) may also be required if presenting to a country that does not have English as an official language. If documents are required for presentation in a country that is not a signatory to the apostille convention (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Taiwan, Vietnam), then an apostille stamp is not valid. Documents will need to be authenticated at State level in , then by the State Department Authentication Division, and finally by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the United States. A Certified Translation may also be required. ### Where can I find more information about certifying New York documents? For further information about apostilles and authentications or to obtain a quote for assistance submitting your documents, with free eligibility pre-check, international collection and delivery by courier, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) or send Isarey your documents using Isarey's [Online Quotation Form](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry). ### What is a New York Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Apostille is a certificate that is affixed by the Secretary of State to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official and confirms the capacity of that official (e.g. State Registrar, notary public). Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in the United States (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: - [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) - [New York Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-authentication) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's New York Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### How can I obtain an Apostille Stamp to certify a document in New York for use abroad? Apostille Stamps to authenticate documents can be obtained from the Secretary of State. Apostille stamps are only valid for documents that are required for submission to countries that are signatories to the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - [New York Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-authentication) ### How do I legalize documents issued in New York for submission to countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention? documents that need to be authenticated for non-apostille countries (e.g. United Arab Emirates, Qatar) must be authenticated by the Secretary of State with an Authentication Certificate and then attested by the recipient country's embassy in the United States. Most embassies will also require an additional authentication the [U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html) in Washington DC. - [New York Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-authentication) ### What does a New York Apostille look like? Apostilles follow the standard format laid down in the Apostille Convention. Some examples of documents certified with Apostille stamps: - [New York City Marriage Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/New-York-City-marriage-certificate-Apostille) - [New York City Birth Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/New-York-City-birth-certificate-Apostille) - [New York Criminal History Certificate with Apostille Stamp](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/New-York-Criminal-History-Certificate-Apostille) See [What does an Apostille look like?](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/FAQs-Document-Attestation#faq_236_s) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I get an Apostille on a New York City birth certificate? Certificates issued for births taking place in the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) can be submitted to the New York Department of State for an Apostille. However, certificates are only valid for Apostilles when submitted with a letter of exemplification. Only long form New York City birth certificates can be certified by Apostille. If you only have a short form certificate, you will need to order a long form certificate with letter of exemplification to obtain a New York Apostille. Letters of exemplification are issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, confirming that the birth certificate which they accompany is a true and certified copy. Letters of exemplification are not issued separately from the certificate. If you don’t already have the letter of exemplification, you will need to order a new certificate from [VitalChek](https://www.vitalchek.com/) or [New York City Department of Health (Birth Certificates)](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-certificates.page). To check whether your New York City birth certificate is valid for an Apostille, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free document pre-check. ### Do I need a letter of exemplification to obtain an Apostille on a New York City birth or death certificate? How do I get a letter of exemplification? A letter of exemplification certifies that a birth or death certificate is a true and certified copy. All New York City birth and death certificates require a letter of exemplification from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to be eligible for an Apostille. If you do not have a letter of exemplification attached to your birth or death certificate, you will need to order a new certificate from [VitalChek](https://www.vitalchek.com/) or [New York City Department of Health (Birth Certificates)](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-certificates.page). ### How can I obtain a new certified copy of a New York birth, death or marriage certificate suitable for an Apostille? New York State birth and death certificates (excluding New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) can be ordered through: - [Vitalchek (New York State Vital Records)](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records) - [New York State Department of Health](https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/) - New York City birth and death certificates (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) can be ordered through: - [Vitalchek (New York State Vital Records)](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records) - [New York City Department of Health (Birth Certificates)](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-certificates.page) - New York State marriage certificates (excluding New York City: not Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) can be ordered through: - [Vitalchek (New York State Vital Records)](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records) - [New York State Department of Health](https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/) - New York City marriage certificates (1950 - present): - [New York City - Office of the City Clerk](https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-records) - New York State Divorce Certificates, Dissolution of Marriage Certificate (including New York City): - [Vitalchek (New York State Vital Records)](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records) - [New York State Department of Health](https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/) - New York State Divorce Decrees: - [New York City County Clerks](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01029) - [Directory Of New York County Clerks](https://www.nysac.org/countyclerks) - Historical New York City marriage certificates (1866 - 1949): - [Historical NYC birth, death and marriage records](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/records/historical-records/order-new.page) - Historical New York City certificates (death certificates issued before 1948, birth certificates issued before 1909): - [New York City Municipal Archives](https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/) ### How can I obtain an apostille on a vital record certificate issued in New York? Apostilles for New York birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates and dissolution of marriage certificates are issued by the New York Department of State with offices in Manhattan and Albany. Birth and Death certificates signed by the Director of Vital Statistics or New York State Registrar are in most cases eligible for an Apostille or Authentication without prior certification. However, certificates issued by a local or county official or county Department of Health must first be certified by the County Clerk of the county where the document was issued. New York City birth and death certificates require a letter of exemplification. Please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for assistance.Marriage certificates must be issued by the New York State Department of Health and signed by the Director of Vital Statistics or New York State Registrar. For New York City marriage certificates, eligibility for an Apostille depends on which City Clerk signed the certificate. New York marriage certificates can be short or long/extended. Extended certificates contain additional information about the spouses and witnesses to the marriage. While both short and long form certificates are eligible for New York Apostilles, some foreign authorities may specifically require an extended certificate. To check whether your New York certificate is valid for an Apostille, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free eligibility check. Copies of vital records, including notarized copies, cannot be used to obtain Apostilles. For further information about obtaining apostille stamps on New York vital records, see: [Apostille New York Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-vital-records) ## Corporate documents ### How can I obtain an Apostille for a New York Certificate of Incorporation? A New York Certificate of Incorporation or Article of Organization (LLC) can be authenticated with an Apostille Stamp from the New York Secretary of State. A certified copy of the certificate is required and can be ordered online from the [NYS Division of Corporations](https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/answers/cms/a_id/3439/kw/copied) For further information, see: [Apostille New York Company Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-incorporation-documents) ### How can I get an Apostille on a New York Certificate of Good Standing? A New York Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Status) can be submitted to the New York Department of State for an Apostille. Certificates of Status, confirming the existence of a corporation or other business entity, may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Division of Corporations. See [New York Division of Corporations (Certificate of Status)](https://dos.ny.gov/certificate-status) For further information, see: [Apostille New York Company Documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-incorporation-documents) ## Criminal record certificates ### How can I obtain an apostille on a background check from New York? New York Statewide criminal histories can be submitted to the New York Department of State in Manhattan or Albany for an Apostille. New York criminal histories can be obtained from: [New York State Office of Court Administration](http://ww2.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs/index.shtml) Some overseas authorities requiring proof a clean criminal history in the United States will not accept a New York criminal history certificate but will require a Federal background check issued by the FBI. See [FBI Background Checks](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/-attest-background-checks). ## Academic documents ### How can I authenticate New York university degree certificates for use abroad? To obtain an Apostille affixed to an original New York School record (High School diploma, University degree certificate or transcripts), contact the school to arrange a certified copy. The certified copy must be signed by the school official in the presence of a New York notary public. Isarey can arrange notarization of Texas high school diplomas and collection of notarized degrees and transcripts from New York Universities. Otherwise, an apostille can be affixed to a notarized true copy of the original school record made from a good-quality scan. For further information about authenticating New York university and school certificates, see: - [Apostille STATE University Diplomas](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/new-york-apostille-school-records) - university degree certificates, course transcripts and high school diplomas can also be authenticated as notarized copies. A true copy is certified by a notary (this can often be done from a scan without having to submit the original) and then authenticated with an Apostille Stamp from the Washington DC Secretary of State. Authenticated documents can also be attested by the embassies of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. For further information, see: [University Degrees and School Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents) ## Notarized documents ### How can I authenticate notarized documents in New York for use abroad? Documents such as New York Powers of Attorney and Affidavits must be certified using a correctly worded certificate of acknowledgement or Jurat. Notarized documents must be certified by the respective New York County Clerk before being submitted to the New York Department of State for an Apostille. - [New York City County Clerks](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01029) - [Directory Of New York County Clerks](https://www.nysac.org/countyclerks)