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Apostilles for New York diplomas and transcripts authenticate the signature or seal of a NY public official or notary for international use. The New York Department of State (NY DOS) issues apostilles at $10 per document. For notarized documents, the County Clerk must first certify the notary's signature in the county where the notary is qualified before submitting to NY DOS. Educational records typically use registrar-notarized certification (preferred), custodian affidavits, or direct registrar notarization on the document itself. NY notaries cannot certify copies; they notarize signatures on statements. Submit by mail or walk-in (NYC, Albany, Buffalo, Utica — verify hours). For non-Hague countries, a Certificate of Authentication may be required as a follow-up step with the U.S. Department of State.
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An apostille authenticates the signature/seal of a New York public official or notary for international use. The apostille does not certify the academic content of a diploma or transcript; it only verifies that the official who signed it was authorized to do so.
Learn more at the NY Department of State Apostille page and the U.S. State Department Apostille Basics.
Original diploma: the actual diploma issued by the university at graduation.
Official transcript: an official academic record signed/sealed by the registrar or issuing authority.
Registrar-issued notarized certification or notarized transcript envelope: some universities provide a notarized statement or seal a notarized envelope specifically for apostille workflows. Examples:
Request a notarized diploma/transcript directly from your university registrar. This is the preferred pathway because it comes directly from the institution. Follow your campus instructions for the process.
Many universities have explicit apostille programs. See Columbia, NYU, CUNY (John Jay).
The diploma holder swears a "true copy" statement before a New York notary; the notary notarizes the signature (not the copy content). This works if your school won't notarize.
Important: Confirm with your destination country that a custodian affidavit is acceptable. See the National Notary Association explanation and local advisories.
Some schools place a notarial certificate directly on the diploma or transcript. This is rare but acceptable if your registrar offers it.
Submit by mail or walk-in (NYC/Albany/Buffalo/Utica — verify hours). Fee: $10 per document.
Important: For notarized documents, the County Clerk must first certify the notary's signature in the county where the notary is qualified. Only after that can you submit to NY DOS for apostille.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Mail to NY DOS | Include apostille request form, notarized document (after County Clerk certification), payment check/money order for $10/document, and return envelope |
| Walk-in (NYC) | New York City office · verify current hours at NY DOS |
| Walk-in (Albany/Buffalo/Utica) | Regional offices · verify current locations and hours before visiting |
Determine if the country is Hague (apostille only) or non-Hague (may need Certificate of Authentication from U.S. Dept. of State).
Option A (registrar-notarized preferred), B (custodian affidavit), or C (direct registrar notarization).
Request from registrar or arrange notarization via NY notary if using custodian affidavit.
Take or mail the notarized document to the County Clerk in the county where the notary is qualified. They will certify the notary's signature.
Include apostille request form, County Clerk-certified document, $10 payment (check/money order) per document, and return envelope.
Mail to NY DOS or visit a walk-in office (NYC/Albany/Buffalo/Utica). Verify current hours and address.
Upon receipt, double-check that your destination country accepts the apostille or if a follow-up Certificate of Authentication is needed.
Offers apostille & certifying Columbia documents for international use.
Registrar GuidanceProvides notarized document request form for apostille workflow.
Request FormGuides apostille process & registrar coordination.
Apostille ProcessGet personalized instructions for your exact document and state — quick, accurate, and stress-free.
Generate My Apostille StepsReviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Document Processing Specialist
Methodology: Summarizes NY DOS, County Clerk, and university registrar guidance (linked above).
Based on official sources: NY Department of State apostille requirements, County Clerk authentication procedures, and university registrar guidance (Columbia, NYU, CUNY).