To get an apostille in Virginia, you’ll need to follow a specific process. An apostille is a certification that authenticates the validity of public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, notarized documents, and more, for use in foreign countries. Here’s how you can obtain an apostille in Virginia:

1. Determine the Type of Document:

• Identify the type of document that needs to be apostilled. Typically, this includes vital records, court documents, educational diplomas, notarized documents, and other public records.

2. Obtain a Certified Copy:

• Ensure that you have a certified copy of the document you want to apostille. If you don’t have one, you may need to request it from the appropriate authority. For example, for birth certificates, contact the Virginia Department of Health or the local vital records office.

3. Notarize the Document (if necessary):

• If the document requires notarization, make sure it’s properly notarized by a Virginia notary public. The notary will affix their seal and signature.

4. Contact the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth:

• The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office is responsible for issuing apostilles. You can contact them for guidance and to confirm the specific requirements for your document.
• Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Address: 1111 East Broad Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
• Phone: (804) 786-2441
• Website: Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth

5. Complete the Application Form:

• Obtain the Apostille/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Certification Request Form from the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website or request it by mail.

6. Prepare Payment:

• Be prepared to pay the required fee for the apostille. Verify the current fee with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, as fees can change over time.

7. Mail Your Documents:

• Send the completed Apostille/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Certification Request Form, your document, and the required fee to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office using a secure mail or courier service. Include a prepaid return envelope for the processed documents.

8. Wait for Processing:

• Allow time for processing. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office will verify the authenticity of your document and issue the apostille.

9. Receive the Apostilled Document:

• Once your document has been apostilled, it will be returned to you by mail in the prepaid return envelope you provided.

10. Verify the Apostille: – After receiving the apostilled document, carefully check it to ensure that the apostille seal and signature are present and accurate.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements and processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to contact the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for the most up-to-date information before submitting your documents. Additionally, be aware that some documents may require additional steps or certifications before they can be apostilled.