Document Authentication and Apostille

An authentication is a sealed certificate that confirms the authority of a public official to act in a particular capacity in connection with a document that he or she has signed. The country in which a document will be used determines the type of certificate that this office will attach to the original.

Starting September 2, 2025, individuals needing an apostille for international adoption, studying abroad, conducting global business, or other reasons must use the Office of the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Online Apostille Application system at sots.service.ct.gov/apostille.

As of September 2, 2025, the Secretary of the State’s Authentication Unit will no longer accept paper order forms.

How do I submit a document for Authentication and Apostille?

Step 1. Prepare Your Documents

• Use original or certified copies.
• Ensure the documents are notarized by a Connecticut notary or certified by a Connecticut official.
• Documents must be notarized or certified within the last 10 years and include an original signature and/or seal.

Step 2. Submit an Online Apostille Request

• Visit  sots.service.ct.gov/apostille
• Create an account
• Log-in
• Order Online

Step 3. Gather Paperwork that Needs to be Mailed to our Office

Organize the following documents to mail to our office:

• Original or certified documents to be authenticated or apostilled.
• Printed order receipt. If you cannot print the receipt, you must include your APO Work Order number with your documents.
• A prepaid, pre-addressed return envelope or pre-paid shipping label. 

Track Your Request

Use your online account to access real-time order tracking and secure messaging.

Single Authentication Certificate 

Processing Times:

• Regular Orders are processed within 5–7 business days of the Authentication and Apostille Unit receiving the documents.
• Expedited Orders are processed within 24 hours of the Authentications and Apostille Unit receiving the documents.

Document to be Presented in a U.S. Territory:

Please note that the Connecticut Secretary of the State cannot issue an apostille or authentication for documents that will be presented in a U.S. territory (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands).

Reason:

Apostilles and authentications are used to certify documents for use in foreign countries under the Hague Apostille Convention or through diplomatic legalization. Because U.S. territories are part of the United States, they are not considered foreign jurisdictions—therefore, legalization through apostille or authentication is not required or applicable.

If your document was properly notarized or issued by a Connecticut authority, it may be used directly in the U.S. territory without additional certification from our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you return the authenticated document back to me?

If you provide a prepaid shipping label for FedEx, UPS, DHL or the US Postal Service, we will return it using that method. If you do not provide prepaid shipping, we will return your document by first class mail. Excludes: International Mailing – Customer must provide a pre-paid shipping label.

What Documents can I have authenticated and apostilled?

We can only authenticate documents signed by a Connecticut state public official. 

• Connecticut Notaries Public
• Town Clerks and their duly appointed assistants and deputies
• Local Registrars of Vital Statistics and their duly appointed assistants and deputies
• Clerks and Assistant Clerks of the Superior and Probate Courts
• Commissioners of Connecticut State Agencies
• Justices of the Peace

What documents "cannot" be authenticated?

• Documents signed by an out-of-state notary.
• Documents issued by the federal government. These documents need to be submitted to the U.S. State Department.
• Out-of-state vital records or court documents. These documents need to be submitted to the issuing state. 
• Out-of-state school transcripts. These documents must be authenticated by the state in which the school is located.
• Documents executed by an Attorney signed as a Commissioner of Superior Court.
  

Can a copy be authenticated?

Yes. The copy must be: (1) accompanied by a written statement affirming that the copy is true and accurate; (2) sworn to and signed before a Connecticut Notary Public.

Where do I obtain certified copies of vital records such as certificates of birth, death, and marriage?

Vital Records can be obtained by contacting your Town Clerk or the Department of Public Heath, Vital Records Unit.

How do I contact you?

Email: BSD@ct.gov

Phone: 860-509-6002 (option 4)

Customer support hours are Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm