# 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 Ohio documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-faqs)> **Related:** [Ohio Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-authentication) · [Apostille Ohio Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-vital-records) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille from Ohio? Ohio Apostilles are normally obtained from the Secretary of State in Columbus in **3-5 business days** (OHIO: Ohio Apostille and Authentications from the office of the Secretary of State in Columbus are normally processed in 3 - 5 business days. A same-day service is also available for urgent requests. NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) An expedited same-day service is also available for urgent requests. ### What documents can be certified in Ohio with an Apostille Stamp? Ohio Apostilles can be obtained for documents signed by an Ohio public official, including documents originating in a court or tribunal, administrative documents, Ohio Vital Records (birth and death certificates certified by the Ohio Department of Health or Vital Statistics, marriage certificates certified by the county probate court, divorce certificates issued by an Ohio county clerk), Ohio university diplomas and school certificates certified by an Ohio notary, and other documents with a notarial certificate, such as power of attorney and affidavits.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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 an Ohio 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) - [Ohio Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-authentication) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Ohio 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 Ohio 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) - [Ohio Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-authentication) ### How do I legalize documents issued in Ohio 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. - [Ohio Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/ohio-apostille-authentication) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain a new certified copy of an Ohio birth, death or marriage certificate suitable for an Apostille? Ohio birth and death certificates can be obtained from the Ohio Department of Health (Bureau of Vital Statistics). Certificates can be ordered online, by mail or obtained in person. - [Order Ohio birth and death certificates online](https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/OrderBirthCertificates/) - [Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics](https://odh.ohio.gov/home/vital-records) - Certified copies of Ohio marriage certificates can be obtained from the Ohio County Probate Court in the county where the marriage licence was issued. - [Ohio County Probate Courts](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/about/ohio-probate-courts) - [Franklin County - Certified Marriage Abstracts](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/departments/marriage#marriage-abstract) - [Cuyahoga County - Marriage Certificates](https://probate.cuyahogacounty.Isarey/marriage.aspx) - [Hamilton County - Marriage certificates](https://efile.probatect.org/DocumentRequest/Index) ### How can I obtain an apostille on a vital record certificate issued in Ohio? Apostilles for Ohio marriage, death and birth certificates are obtained from the Ohio Secretary of State in Columbus. Ohio birth and death certificates must be issued by the Ohio Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Marriage certificates must be certified by the County Probate Court in the county where the marriage licence was issued. ## Academic documents ### How can I authenticate Ohio university degree certificates for use abroad? Ohio university degrees and school records should be certified by the school or university in the presence of an [Ohio Notary](https://notarysearch.ohiosos.gov/ords/f?p=ENSEARCH:SEARCH:10706005419115:::1::). The notarized certificate can then be submitted to the Kentucky Secretary of State for an Apostille or Authentication. 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 Ohio for use abroad? Documents that have been certified by an [Ohio County Probate Courts](https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/about/ohio-probate-courts) can be authenticated for use abroad with an Apostille stamp from the Ohio Secretary of State in Columbus. The notarial certificate must be in English and include the following: - Indication that the act was an acknowledgment or jurat. - The state and county venue where the notarization was performed. - The date of notarization. - The signature of the notary. - The notary public’s printed or typed name. - The expiration date of the notary's commission. - The notary seal which includes the coat of arms of Ohio (stamp or embosser). ### How can I obtain an apostille in Ohio for a Power of Attorney or Affidavit? A Power of Attorney or Affidavit can be authenticated with an Apostille in Ohio when it has been duly notarized by an [Ohio Notary](https://notarysearch.ohiosos.gov/ords/f?p=ENSEARCH:SEARCH:10706005419115:::1::)