How do you apostille and prepare documents for the United States in 2026?

If the issuing country is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, obtain the Apostille from that country’s competent authority before you rely on the paper in the United States. Non-Hague origins generally need embassy or consular legalisation paths that the issuing state and the US receiving office describe for that document type.

Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa files often ask for civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates with correct spellings: Apply for residence permission. School districts and universities may request certified academic records: Transfer school records and Enrol in public school.

If you need an American birth certificate, marriage record, or court paper recognised abroad, request a certified copy from the issuing state or county, then follow the US Department of State or state-level apostille route for the destination country’s rules. That path is separate from preparing foreign papers for life inside the United States.

Keep originals in a fire-safe folder and carry certified copies to appointments. Not every bank or employer needs apostilles, but immigration and some professional licensing paths do: Open a bank account.