If a Rhode Island document will be used abroad, it may need authentication before the receiving authority will accept it. The Rhode Island Department of State in Providence handles documents issued by a Rhode Island official or properly notarized by a Rhode Island notary public.
These can include certified Rhode Island vital records, state and local government documents, properly certified court records, business documents, academic records, and private documents that have been properly notarized.
For countries in the Hague Apostille Convention, a Rhode Island apostille provides the required state authentication. Documents going to non-Hague countries require additional legalization after the state step, which may include the U.S. Department of State and the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Our full-service apostille help can manage the appropriate route from state certification through any additional legalization required, with more detail available on how an apostille works.
