An apostille and an authentication certificate both authenticate official signatures and seals, but the route generally depends on the country where you will use the document and whether the Hague Apostille Convention applies.
What an apostille does
An apostille is a standardized certificate used under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It authenticates the signature on a public document, the capacity in which the signer acted, and, where relevant, the identity of the seal or stamp. It does not verify the truth of the document’s contents.
For a U.S. state-issued marriage record, the first step is usually the competent authority for the state that issued the record. The U.S. Department of State generally handles certain federal documents, not every state-issued certificate.
When an authentication certificate may be needed
If the destination country is not a party to the Convention, the document may need an authentication certificate followed by additional legalization steps through the destination country’s embassy or consulate. The exact chain varies by document and destination.
A helpful next step
See if online marriage fits your plans.
Answer a few quick questions about timing, locations, and where you may use your certificate.
Some countries or agencies do not require either certificate for a particular use, while others may require a recent certified copy, a translation, or a specific form. Do not order based only on a country list; confirm what the office receiving the document asks for.
Choose the right path before mailing documents
- Identify the country and agency where the marriage record will be submitted.
- Ask whether it requires an apostille, authentication certificate, translation, or no authentication.
- Request the correct certified copy from the office that holds the marriage record.
- Follow the issuing state’s instructions for the competent authority and submission method.
The Hague Conference’s status table and the U.S. Department of State’s guidance explain the framework. The How it works page explains document options offered through Legal Online Marriage.
Frequently asked questions
Does the U.S. Department of State issue every apostille?
No. State-issued records normally go through the issuing state’s competent authority; federal documents follow a different route.
Can I choose an authentication certificate instead of an apostille?
Use the route required by the destination and document type. The two certificates are not freely interchangeable.
Official references
- Apostille Convention text
- U.S. State Department apostille guidance
- U.S. State Department authentication guidance
- U.S. government document authentication overview
Legal and official-process references reviewed November 9, 2026. Requirements can differ by location and purpose. This article is general information, not legal advice.
