Apostille for China · Apostille guide

New York Document Processing Apostille: Which documents need to be certified by the county, and which ones can be sent directly to the State Department?

New York vital records, school documents, notarized documents and FBI documents have different pre-steps and cannot all be submitted according to the same process.

The key to New York Apostille is to identify the issuer

Just because "New York" is written on the document does not mean that it can be handed over directly to the State Department. Check the specific issuing agency and signer: New York State Health Department, New York City agency, county or local registrar, school official, notary public, and federal agency for different prerequisites.

Differences between Four Types of Documents

New York State Department of Health Vital Records

Birth, death, or marriage records issued by the New York State Department of Health and signed by a designated official may be submitted to the Department of State without county certification.

New York City and Local Vital Records

New York City birth and death records usually also involve a Letter of Exemplification and the New York County Clerk; records issued by the local registrar are usually first certified by the issuing county clerk.

School and Notarized Documents

School documents are generally first certified as official records or true copies by a school official, then notarized with the official's signature and certified by the county where the notary is located. Personal documents such as power of attorney usually also need to be notarized and certified by the county first.

FBI Documents

FBI criminal records are federal documents and are not issued by the New York State Department of Apostille. They should go through federal channels.

Checklist before shipping

• Confirm the issuing agency of the document, not just the applicant's address;
• Check whether exemplification, county certification or school certification is required;
• Use the latest version of the application form and the correct payment method;
• Prepare traceable return arrangements;
• Keep scanned copies of the entire set of materials.

The process and acceptance location may be adjusted, and information published by the New York State Department of State shall prevail.