Are you planning to travel or conduct business abroad? If so, you may need to obtain an apostille. An apostille is a legal certification of a document’s authenticity, and it verifies that the signature on the document is from a legitimate authority. The office of the Secretary of State Utah handles apostille requests. But, if you’re unfamiliar with the apostille process, it can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ll cover all the essential information about apostille Utah, including what they are, how to obtain one, and what documents are eligible for apostilles.
What is an Apostille, and when do you need one in Utah?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document. Public documents include any official government documents, such as marriage licenses, adoption papers, birth certificates, education credentials, and more. So, if you’re planning to travel or do business outside of the United States, you’ll likely need to have these documents authenticated with an apostille. Additionally, some foreign countries require apostilles for notarized documents, such as power of attorney or business contracts.
How to Obtain an Apostille in Utah:
To obtain an apostille in Utah, you need to contact the Secretary of State’s office. They’re responsible for issuing apostilles for public documents. However, before you send any documents to the office, make sure they meet the following requirements:
- The documents must be an original or a certified copy.
- The documents must have a signature of a notary public, court clerk, or registrar.
- If the public document includes a photograph, the photograph must be clear and legible.
Secretary of State Utah
Once you’ve confirmed that your document meets the requirements, you can then submit your request through mail or in person. Please note that the Secretary of State’s office, only accepts mail requests currently, due to the pandemic. You’ll need to submit the necessary forms and payment fee with your request.
Documents eligible for Apostille in Utah
As mentioned previously, only public documents are eligible for apostilles in Utah. Public documents in Utah include:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Licenses
- Educational credentials like Diploma or Transcript
- Death Certificates
- Adoption Paperwork
- Power of Attorney
- Business Contracts
- Court documents such as judgments and decrees
What documents can be apostilled in Utah?
Utah can apostille a wide variety of documents, including notarized documents, vital records, court orders, school transcripts, and other official documents issued by government agencies. Make sure to check with the Utah Secretary of State’s office or consult with a professional service for specific requirements.
How to get an apostille in Utah?
To get an apostille in Utah, you need to follow a few basic steps. First, you need to make sure the document is an original or a certified copy issued by the appropriate authority. Second, you need to have the document notarized by a Utah notary public or otherwise certified by a designated officer. Third, you need to request an apostille from the Utah Secretary of State’s office by filling out an application form and paying a fee. You can submit the application in person, by mail, or through a third-party service.
How long does it take to get an apostille in Utah?
The processing time for getting an apostille in Utah varies depending on the volume of applications and the type of document submitted. Generally, it takes 3 to 5 business days to get an apostille in person or by mail, and 1 to 2 business days if you use a third-party service for expedited processing. If you need urgent service, you can request a same-day or next-day apostille by visiting the Secretary of State’s office in person and paying an additional fee.
How much does an apostille cost in Utah?
The fee for getting an apostille in Utah is $10 per document. If you need additional copies of the same document, the fee is $5 per copy. But if you need expedited processing, the additional fee is $15 per document. If you need a same-day or next-day apostille, the additional fee is $25 per document. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.
Getting an apostille in Utah can be a straightforward process if you follow the required steps and know what to expect.
