Apostille Seal

When a document is to be used in a foreign country, it may be necessary to have the document authenticated. An authentication certifies the signature and the capacity of the official who has executed the document. The authentication may also authenticate the seal of the official.

The New York Secretary of State authenticates public documents for use in foreign countries. Only public documents issued in New York State which are signed by either a State Official or a County Clerk will be authenticated. The country of destination determines whether the authentication is in the form of an “Apostille” or a “Certificate of Authentication.”

• An Apostille Seal is an authentication of a public document issued pursuant to the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The Apostille ensures that public documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid in another signatory country.
• A Certificate of Authentication is issued by the New York Secretary of State to authenticate public document for use in any country which is not a member of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

For more information, please visit the New York State Authentication of Public Documents website.

Digital diplomas, such as those provided by Parchment, can serve as an alternative to the Apostille. Many countries recognize digital diplomas to support the needs of international credentials.

Documents eligible for authentication may be provided to the Office of the Registrar.

• Original diploma.
• A copy of your original diploma–must present original diploma for copies to be made.
• Official transcript–must request a new copy at time of inquiry.
• Certification of Enrollment letter.

• Submit your documentation to the Office of the Registrar.
• The Office of the Registrar will authenticate your documentation with a statement that the documentation is “true and correct.” Please make sure you have all original documentation in your possession at the time of your request.
• The documentation will be notarized at Hunter College by a Notary Public.
• Take the original documentation to the County Clerk’s Office. The County Clerk must reside in the same county of the Notary Public who witnessed your documentation.
• The documentation will then be mailed to the New York State Department of State.
• For the County Clerk’s Office in your borough and for more information on this process, please visit the New York State Authentication of Public Documents website.

• Documentation submitted in person can take up to three to five business days.
• Documentation submitted by mail may take up to one month if the Apostille is mailed to a foreign country.
• To assist our office in processing your documentation in a timely manner, you may wish to include a contact number or email address so that we may contact you should any questions arise.

Hunter College does not charge a fee to authenticate documents. However, if an official transcript is one of the documents you wish to have authenticated, then you will be required to pay an official transcript request fee.

For other processing fees that are not associated with the College, please visit the New York State Authentication of Public Documents website.

You may have someone act on your behalf in having your documentation authenticated. That person must bring in:

• A written and signed authorization letter from you as the requestor–include in the document your name, documents to be authenticated and contact information.
• A copy of your photo identification.
• The person acting as your proxy must also present valid photo identification.

To check the status of your documents, please contact the Office of the Registrar.