Ohio Apostille

What is an Ohio Apostille?

Ohio Apostille – An Ohio Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the official signature and stamp of a public official, such as a notary public or the Ohio Secretary of State, on a document. It is used for document legalization in foreign countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. The Ohio Apostille certifies that the document is genuine, legal, and can be accepted in foreign countries. PT. Jangkar Global Groups

What documents can be apostilled in Ohio?

Apostille can be obtained for various documents, including but not limited to:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Court documents
• Notarized documents
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Power of attorney documents

It is important to note that only original documents can be apostilled. Copies, even notarized copies, cannot be apostilled.

How to obtain an Apostille?

To obtain an Apostille, follow these steps:

1. Contact the issuing authority of the document, such as the county or state office, and obtain a certified copy of the document.
2. Have the document notarized by a notary public, if required.
3. Take the document to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in Columbus, Ohio, during business hours or mail it to their office with the required fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
4. Wait for the Ohio Secretary of State’s office to process the request and issue the Apostille certificate, which can take up to 10 business days.

 

What are the requirements for an Ohio Apostille?

To obtain an Apostille, the document must meet the following requirements:

• The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by a public official.
• The document must bear the signature and stamp of the public official who issued it.
• The document must be notarized, if required.
• The notary public who notarized the document must be commissioned and in good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State.
• The document must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

How to use an Apostille?

After obtaining an Apostille, the document can be used in foreign countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. The Apostille certificate must be attached to the original document or its certified copy. The document can then be submitted to the relevant authority in the foreign country, such as a consulate or embassy, for further legalization.

 

Why is an Apostille important?

An Apostille is important for document legalization in foreign countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. Without an Apostille certificate, the document may not be recognized as legal or valid in the foreign country. This can cause delays, rejections, and additional costs in the document legalization process.

How long is an Ohio Apostille valid?

An Ohio Apostille is valid indefinitely once it has been issued. However, the validity of the document itself may vary depending on the requirements of the foreign country.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Ohio Apostille can be a crucial step in legalizing documents for use in foreign countries. By following the proper procedures and meeting the requirements, individuals and businesses can ensure that their documents are genuine, legal, and accepted in foreign countries. Don’t hesitate to contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office for any additional information or questions regarding Ohio Apostille.