Apostille and Authentication Certificates

Download Authentication Request Form (PDF)

Documents going to another country require certification by the secretary of state. Our office certifies the signature of the acknowledging Louisiana official such as notary publics, clerks of court, deputy clerks of court, ex-officio notary deputy sheriffs, judges, justices of the peace and the registrar of vital records. We also certify transcripts and diplomas signed by state accredited university's registrar, president, dean, etc. and transcripts and diplomas signed by the high school's superintendent.

View the list of the foreign countries that require apostille certificates (external site). All other countries use an authentication certificate.

Send documents to:

• Louisiana Secretary of State
  Commissions Division
  P.O. Box 94125
  Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
• Documents are normally processed and returned within two to three days.
• Requests should include a daytime telephone number and the name of country where documents are going.
• Do not list secretary of state as sender on return label.
• The fee is $20 per certificate issued except for adoptions which are $10 per certificate.
• To order a copy of your birth certificate, click here. 
• The document, with an original signature and with name printed underneath, must be sent to our office. We do not accept photocopies of birth certificates or death certificates. 
• Always use our physical address when using FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.:
  Louisiana Secretary of State
  Commissions Division
  8585 Archives Ave.
  Baton Rouge, LA 70809
• We do not pay for a courier service. A pre-paid mailing envelope or a completed return label with the customer's account number must be provided for us to have the certified documents returned by courier.
• For more information, call 225.922.0330.