Michigan Apostille Requirements
If you’re wondering how to get an apostille in Michigan, start by checking the requirements for preparing your document. These vary for vital records, county and court records, business filings, private documents, and academic records.
Certified vital records
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records must be certified copies issued by a Michigan county clerk or the State Registrar. An uncertified original or plain copy cannot be authenticated. The certified copy is the starting point for a Michigan birth certificate apostille or Michigan marriage certificate apostille.
County and court records
Records certified by a Michigan county clerk or designated deputy must carry the required official signature. Documents issued by a court clerk must be properly notarized before the Office of the Great Seal can authenticate them.
Business documents
Corporate filings, such as a certificate of good standing, must be issued or certified by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A Michigan business document apostille is based on that certified record.
Private documents
A power of attorney, affidavit, consent form, or similar private paper generally needs to be signed in front of a Michigan notary public. The notarization must include the notary’s full name and signature, the date, commission expiration date, county of commission, and county of execution if different. These details are required for an apostille for documents notarized in Michigan.
Academic documents
School, college, and university records usually follow the notarized route. An authorized school official signs or certifies the document, and a Michigan notary notarizes the signature before a Michigan diploma apostille or Michigan transcript apostille can be issued.
Certified records must be submitted as official certified copies, while notarized documents must contain original signatures. Stamped, photocopied, or facsimile notary signatures are not accepted. The receiving country may impose additional requirements.
