A formal declaration before a notary that the person who signed the document did so voluntarily.

Example: A property deed where the seller acknowledges their signature.

An apostille is a certification provided under the Hague Convention of 1961 for authenticating documents for use in foreign countries. In New Jersey, documents that are often notarized and then require an apostille include:

Birth Certificates:

Official records of an individual's birth.

Example: A birth certificate used to prove citizenship or identity in a foreign country.

Marriage Certificates:

Official records of a marriage.

Example: A marriage certificate needed for spousal immigration purposes.

Death Certificates:

Official records of an individual's death.

Example: A death certificate required for settling estates abroad.

Educational Documents:

Diplomas, transcripts, and other academic records.

Example: A university diploma required for employment or further education in another country.

Powers of Attorney (POA):

Legal documents authorizing someone to act on another’s behalf in legal or financial matters.

Example: A POA needed to manage property or financial matters in a foreign country.

Corporate Documents:

Documents related to business operations and registrations.

Example: Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, or bylaws needed for business activities abroad.

Court Documents:

Legal documents issued by courts.

Example: Adoption papers, divorce decrees, or other court orders required for legal proceedings in another country.

Affidavits:

Sworn statements of fact.

Example: An affidavit of support for a visa application.

Notarized Documents:

Various documents that have been notarized.

Example: Contracts, agreements, or legal declarations needing validation for use internationally.

Process for Obtaining an Apostille in New Jersey

Notarization: The document must first be notarized by a New Jersey notary public if it is not already an official document such as a birth or marriage certificate.

County Clerk Authentication: For certain documents, such as a notarized affidavit, the notarization may need to be authenticated by the county clerk in the county where the notary is commissioned.

State-Level Authentication: The document is then sent to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (NJDORES) for the apostille. This office verifies the signature of the county clerk or the authenticity of the public document.

Apostille Issuance: Once the document is verified, an apostille is attached, certifying the document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Important Considerations

Verification: Ensure that the document is complete and accurate before submission.

Processing Time: The time to obtain an apostille can vary, so plan accordingly, especially if the document is needed by a specific date.

Fees: There are fees associated with obtaining an apostille, including notarization, county clerk authentication (if required), and the apostille itself.

By obtaining an apostille, your document will be recognized as legally valid and authentic in all Hague Convention member countries. This process simplifies the legalization of documents for international use, making it easier to conduct personal, educational, or business affairs abroad.

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation is used as evidence in court.

Example: An affidavit of residence confirming an individual's home address.

Legal documents authorizing someone to act on another’s behalf in legal or financial matters.

Example: A POA granting authority to manage someone's financial affairs.

A type of notarization where the signer swears to the truthfulness of the contents of the document.

Example: An affidavit in a legal proceeding where the affiant swears to the facts stated.

Legal documents expressing an individual's wishes regarding the distribution of their property after death.

Example: A last will and testament.

Legal arrangements in which one party holds property for the benefit of another.

Example: A living trust document.

Documents related to the transfer, sale, or leasing of real property.

Example: Mortgage documents, deeds, and lease agreements.

Written testimonies of witnesses, sworn to be true, typically used in legal proceedings.

Example: A deposition taken during the discovery phase of a lawsuit.

Documents related to financial transactions and arrangements.

Example: Loan agreements, promissory notes, and retirement benefit assignments.

Documents related to healthcare decisions and directives.

Example: Advance healthcare directives and living wills.

Legal documents related to the adoption process.

Example: Consent to adoption forms.

Documents related to employment and verification.

Example: Employment contracts and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms.

Documents required by educational institutions.

Example: Parental consent forms and student enrollment verification.

Documents granting permission, often used for minors.

Example: Parental permission for school trips.

Documents confirming identity, often used for international purposes.

Example: Passport applications and renewal forms.

Documents related to the sale or transfer of a vehicle.

Example: Vehicle title transfer forms.