How to Get an Apostille (or Certificate of Authentication) for your USA Corporation or LLC Documents
History:
An Apostille is a certification from a US Federal or State government that allows a document from that office to be accepted in any of the countries that have signed the Apostille Convention adopted on October 5th, 1961. In the United States this typically is the Secretary of State in each US state or the US Department of State (for Federal Documents).
Purpose:
Many of our international clients who form a company in the USA may also need an an Apostille or “Certificate of Authentication” (for countries that did not participate in the Apostille Convention). This is because their home country may need to verify that the documents filed in the USA are legitimate. Many times this is so they can open a bank account or meet other business or licensing requirements in their country.
Procedure:
First, you need to have filed the original business formation document (Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization to create the Corporation or LLC), then you need to have that document reviewed and “stamped” with the Apostille certification as well as provide the correct filing fee (and additional expedite fee if you are in a hurry). Typically this is done in the same office of the Secretary of State where you file the business formation document. The person responsible for approving the Apostille will then review and stamp the documents and return them to you via mail or courier.
Tips:
It’s best you submit your original formation documents and Apostille request at the same time so you can save some “back and forth” time between filing departments or have to wait for the formation documents to return (only to send them right back to the same place). Otherwise, you can simply send the documents in to receive the stamp (make sure to include pre-paid envelopes or courier airbills to prevent your documents from being misplaced).
Note that MyNewCompany.com, Inc. can obtain your Apostille or Certificate of Authentication in any US state starting at $35 plus state fees.