Obtaining an Apostille in New Jersey

Obtaining an Apostille in New Jersey

Securing an apostille in New Jersey is a straightforward process, requiring you to submit your document to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). The DORES provides apostille services for documents issued by the state of New Jersey, including vital records, court documents, and educational transcripts.

To obtain an apostille, follow these steps⁚

1. Prepare your document⁚ Ensure your document is original or a certified copy. If you need a certified copy, you can obtain one from the issuing agency.
2. Complete the apostille request form⁚ You can download the form from the DORES website or request it by contacting their office. The form requires you to provide personal information, the country of destination, and the address of the document issuer.
3. Pay the fee⁚ The fee for an apostille is $25.00 per document. You can pay online or by mail.
4. Submit your request⁚ Submit your completed form, document, and payment to the DORES office by mail or in person.

For expedited service, an additional fee of $15.00 per document is required. Expedited service ensures processing within 8 business hours, though the document will be returned by regular mail. If you require faster delivery, you may need to make special arrangements.

You can contact the DORES Apostille/Notary Public Unit for general questions regarding apostilles and notary certifications⁚ 609-292-0642. You may also contact the unit online or by mail.

For further information, visit the DORES website or contact their office for assistance.

Understanding Apostilles

An apostille is a certification that authenticates the seal and signature of a public official on a document, signifying that the document is genuine and valid. The apostille serves as a form of legal authentication, confirming the document’s legal status and allowing it to be accepted in other countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention on the Abolition of the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. This convention simplifies the process of recognizing and accepting legal documents from participating countries, eliminating the need for traditional legalization procedures.

The apostille is a small, standardized document that is attached to the original document. It contains information about the issuing authority, the document’s origin, and the date of issuance. The apostille is typically issued by the Secretary of State or another designated government official in the issuing country. In the case of New Jersey, the apostille is issued by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES).

Apostilles are required for various types of documents, including⁚

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Court documents
• Educational transcripts
• Power of attorney documents
• Notarized documents

If you are planning to use a document in a country that is a member of the Hague Convention, you will likely need to obtain an apostille. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the destination country as some countries may have additional requirements for document authentication.

The Apostille Process in New Jersey

The process of obtaining an apostille in New Jersey is relatively straightforward. You must submit your document to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), which is responsible for issuing apostilles for documents originating from the state. The DORES handles a wide array of document types, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court documents, educational transcripts, power of attorney documents, and notarized documents. The process involves the following steps⁚

1. Document Preparation⁚ Ensure your document is original or a certified copy. If you require a certified copy, you can obtain one from the issuing agency. The DORES will not process copies that are not certified.
2. Apostille Request Form⁚ You can download the apostille request form from the DORES website, or you can request it by contacting their office. The form requires you to provide personal information, the country of destination, and the address of the document issuer. Complete the form accurately and thoroughly.
3. Fee Payment⁚ The fee for an apostille in New Jersey is $25.00 per document. You can pay online through the DORES website or by mail. Make sure your payment is sent along with your completed form and document. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $15.00 per document, ensuring processing within 8 business hours. However, expedited documents are typically returned by regular mail.
4. Submission⁚ Submit your completed apostille request form, the document, and the payment to the DORES office by mail or in person. The DORES office is located at 33 West State Street, 5th Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608, or you can mail your request to P.O. Box 452, Trenton, NJ 08646.

The DORES will review your request and process the apostille. The processing time for standard apostilles is typically 3-5 business days. After the apostille is issued, you will receive your document back by mail. If you need your document expedited, you may request special delivery arrangements.

Required Documents and Fees

When applying for an apostille in New Jersey, you must provide specific documents and pay the required fees. The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) handles apostille requests and has outlined the necessary requirements to ensure a smooth processing experience.

The primary document you need is the original document or a certified copy. The DORES will not accept uncertified copies of documents, so ensure you obtain a certified copy if needed. You can typically obtain certified copies from the issuing agency. If the document is not in English, you may need to provide a certified translation. The translation must be completed by a certified translator recognized by the DORES.

In addition to the document itself, you will need to complete the DORES Apostille Request Form. This form requires information about the document, the applicant, and the country where the document will be used. You can download the form from the DORES website or request it directly from their office. Fill out the form accurately and completely, ensuring all required fields are filled in. You will also need to pay the applicable fee for the apostille. The fee for a standard apostille is $25.00 per document. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $15.00 per document, but this service is only available for documents processed within 8 business hours. Expedited documents are typically returned by regular mail.

For detailed information about specific document requirements, fees, and payment options, it is recommended to consult the DORES website or contact their office directly. The DORES provides comprehensive information regarding their apostille services and can assist you with any questions you may have. Their contact information is available online.

Expedited Apostille Service

The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES) offers an expedited apostille service for those who require their documents processed within a shorter timeframe. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals with urgent travel plans or deadlines. The expedited service guarantees that your apostille will be processed within 8 business hours from the time of submission. However, it is important to note that while the apostille processing is expedited, the return of the document is typically done through regular mail, which may add several days to the overall turnaround time.

If you require faster delivery, you may need to make special arrangements with the DORES. For example, you could request that the document be delivered via courier service or a specific shipping method. The DORES may be able to accommodate your request, but it is best to contact them in advance to discuss your options. The DORES website provides contact information for their Apostille/Notary Public Unit, which can assist you with any questions or requests related to expedited service.

The expedited service comes with an additional fee of $15.00 per document, in addition to the standard apostille fee of $25.00. This service is ideal for situations where time is of the essence, such as when traveling abroad for a short period or when facing a critical deadline. To ensure your apostille is processed quickly, be sure to submit your request early and clearly communicate your need for expedited service to the DORES. The DORES will strive to accommodate your request and process your apostille as promptly as possible.