Apostille for China · Apostille guide

New York State Apostille Description: What to prove, when it is needed, and which documents cannot be submitted directly

The New York State Department only certifies the signature chain of New York public documents that meet the conditions; document content and overseas reception results are not within the scope of its certification.

Scope of Apostille Certification

A New York State Apostille typically confirms the signature, identity of the signer, or the source of a seal on a public document. It is not a "national content authentication" and does not certify the facts of birth, the validity of the contract, or the scope of the authorization.

When it may be required

When New York documents are prepared to be submitted to convention-applicable regions such as China, the receiving unit may require Apostille. Whether it is necessary or not is still determined by the actual purpose and the recipient, and cannot be generalized just based on the file type.

What documents cannot be submitted directly to the State Department

• New York notarized documents that have not yet completed county certification;
• Certain New York City vital records that lack exemplification or county certification;
• Common copies, web page screenshots, or unverifiable signatures;
• FBI and other federal documents.

Correct actions before mailing

First identify the issuing authority and signatory, and then determine the pre-certification, application form, fee and return envelope. Government processing times vary, and private agencies should not commit to a fixed "fastest one day" date.