If you need to use a New Hampshire document abroad, it may require an apostille before a foreign authority will accept it. The apostille verifies the signature and seal on the record for use in another country.
For documents issued or notarized in New Hampshire, the Secretary of State handles the apostille process. Eligible records can include:
- certified New Hampshire vital records;
- state and county government records;
- court documents carrying the required certification;
- business documents issued or certified in New Hampshire;
- academic records prepared for authentication;
- private documents properly notarized by a New Hampshire notary public.
Where the document is going determines how it needs to be authenticated. Hague Apostille Convention countries generally accept an apostille directly. For destinations outside the Convention, the Secretary of State issues an authentication certificate instead, followed by any required embassy or consular legalization. That distinction is important when you apostille documents for international use, as each route involves different steps.
