1. Insufficient Fees - The authentication fee is $5 per document to be authenticated.
2. Must be an original document - All documents must be properly signed by a person representing the agency issuing the document and are required to be an original signature NOT a photocopied signature.
3. Notarization of Document - For basic information which can be used as a guide when notarizing a document, please refer to our Notary Guide or Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 358.48.
4. Notary Commission - The commission must be valid and up to date and the expiration date on the notary stamp must be accurate. To determine if the notary is active search the notary database.
5. Country Required - Each document or the cover letter must identify the country of intended use so the correct authentication is attached to the document.

1. Obtain a copy of the student's transcript from the records or administrative office of the school.
2. The registrar's signature on the transcript must be an original.
3. The transcript must be properly notarized with an acknowledgement and have an original signature by a Minnesota Notary Public.
4. The document is then mailed or brought in to the Office of the Secretary of State.

1. Obtain the diploma from the records or administrative office of the school.
2. The signatures on the diploma must be properly notarized with an acknowledgement and have an original signature by a Minnesota Notary Public.
3. The document is then mailed or brought in to the Office of the Secretary of State.

1. The substitute document is obtained from the records or administrative office of the school.
2. The signatures on the substitute document must be properly notarized with an acknowledgement and have an original signature by a Minnesota Notary Public.
3. The document is then mailed or brought in to the Office of the Secretary of state.

Birth and Death Records
Minnesota Department of Health

Passports
To obtain a passport you can go to any major post office, the county office of your residence, or visit the State Department website. 

Marriage Records
A certified certificate of marriage can be obtained from the county office in which the marriage took place.

See Authentication / Apostille  information. 

Countries which signed the Hague Treaty require apostilles.

Click here for a list of countries that require an apostille.