Document Authentication and Certification in NYC
People say they need a document “certified” or “authenticated.” The right step depends on what the document is and where it is going. We sort out which one you need and handle it.
Apostille from $199 · Notarization from $25 · Fully remote
A notary does not certify that a document is authentic. A notary identifies the signer and notarizes the signature. For a document to be accepted abroad, the notarized document is then authenticated by the New York Department of State, which issues an apostille or a certificate of authentication. We take care of the notarization and the filing.
Common situations
- A document that must be accepted by a foreign government or school
- A signed statement that a copy is a true copy of an original
- Business, marriage, birth and court documents for use abroad
- Not sure whether you need an apostille or a certificate of authentication
How it works with NotarEaseNYC
- Tell us the document and the country. That tells us whether you need an apostille or a certificate of authentication.
- Notarize or obtain the right signature. We notarize your signature or the signature of the official who issued the document.
- State authentication. We file with New York for the apostille or certificate.
- Receive it back. We return the finished document by secure shipping.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to authenticate a document?
It means an official body confirms that a signature or seal on the document is genuine. For documents going abroad this is usually an apostille or a certificate of authentication from the New York Department of State.
Can a notary certify that my document is real?
No. A notary identifies the signer and notarizes the signature. The notary does not vouch for the content or the origin of a document.
Apostille or certificate of authentication, which do I need?
It depends on the destination country. Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille. Others require a certificate of authentication and further legalization.
Can you handle the whole process?
Yes. We notarize remotely, file with the state and ship the finished document back. See our apostille service.
Related services and guides
Apostille ServiceApostille vs Certificate of AuthenticationDocument LegalizationWhy Apostille Requests Get RejectedPassport Certification
NotarEaseNYC is a notary service, not a law firm. We cannot draft your document, give legal advice, explain its legal effect, or choose the right form or certificate for you. Your document must be complete before the session, and everything must be typed, not handwritten. Whether a receiving agency or company accepts a remote online notarization is up to them, so confirm before you book if you are unsure.