When it comes to legal documents, it is important to have them properly authenticated in order to use them in other countries. This process is known as apostille, and it is required for documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic transcripts. If you are in Oklahoma and need to get an apostille, this article will provide you with all the information you need. PT. Jangkar Global Groups
What is an Apostille Oklahoma?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is used by countries that are parties to the Hague Convention, which is an international treaty that simplifies the process of authenticating documents for use in other countries. The apostille certifies that the document is genuine and has been issued by a competent authority in the country of origin.
Without an apostille, a document may not be recognized as valid in another country. For example, if you have a birth certificate issued in Oklahoma and you want to use it in Spain, you would need to get an apostille from the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office in order for the birth certificate to be recognized as valid in Spain.
How to Get an Apostille in Oklahoma
If you need to get an apostille in Oklahoma, the process is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Obtain a certified copy of the document you need to apostille. This can usually be done by contacting the issuing agency or by visiting their website.
- Complete the apostille request form, which can be downloaded from the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website.
- Include payment for the apostille fee, which is $25 per document.
- Mail the completed request form, payment, and the certified copy of the document to the following address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Authentications Unit
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Once your request has been processed, the Secretary of State’s office will affix an apostille to your document and send it back to you. The process typically takes 5-7 business days, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.
What Documents Can Be Apostilled?
Not all documents are eligible for apostille. The Hague Convention specifies the types of documents that can be apostilled, which include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Court documents
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Notarized documents
If you are not sure whether your document can be apostilled, you can contact the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office for more information.
Apostille vs. Embassy Legalization
It is important to note that an apostille is not the same thing as embassy legalization. Embassy legalization is required for documents that are going to be used in countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention. The embassy legalization process is more complex and can take several weeks or even months to complete.
If you need to have a document legalized for use in a non-Hague country, you should contact the embassy or consulate of that country for more information.
Conclusion
If you need to get an apostille in Oklahoma, the process is relatively simple and straightforward. Just make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, and be prepared to pay the $25 fee. With an apostille, your document will be recognized as valid in other countries, which can be essential for a variety of legal and personal reasons.
