Ohio Apostille Requirements
Ohio sets out what a notary’s seal and certificate must include, and the remaining requirements vary by record type.
Vital Records
An apostille for a birth certificate or a death certificate starts with a certified copy from the custodian, such as the Ohio Department of Health. A photocopy or notarized copy of a vital record is not a substitute for the required certified copy.
An Ohio marriage certificate apostille begins with a certified copy of the marriage license or certificate. For copies, Ohio directs applicants to the probate court that issued the marriage license.
Court Papers
A divorce decree, a probated will, or a judgment should be submitted as a certified copy. Ohio directs applicants to the county Clerk of Court’s office where the document was filed to obtain the required copy.
Government Records
Documents certified by an Ohio state, county, or local government official may qualify for authentication or an apostille. The certification must contain the required official signature or seal so the Ohio Secretary of State can verify its origin.
Business Documents
An Ohio business document apostille usually covers certified copies of business entity documents on file with the Ohio Secretary of State. Other company documents can qualify when they have been properly notarized by an Ohio notary public.
Private Records
Powers of attorney, affidavits, consent forms, and other private documents can be submitted when they have been properly notarized by an Ohio notary public. The notarial certificate must contain the required information, including the notary’s signature, the date of the act, the venue, commission expiration date where applicable, and notarial seal.
Academic Documents
An Ohio diploma apostille needs an authorized school official’s signature under notarization. A school seal on its own may not be enough, and an unsigned photocopy generally will not qualify. Requests to apostille academic transcripts take the same route, with an affidavit where the original cannot be released.
