Apostille and Authentication Certificates

Download Authentication Request Form here

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.

See the list of the foreign countries that require Apostille certificates. For all other countries, an Authentication certificate is used.

• Send documents to:
      Louisiana Secretary of State
      Commissions Division
      P. O. Box 94125
      Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
      Telephone: 225.922.0330
• Documents are normally processed and returned within 2-3 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. (Exception: Adoptions are $10 per certificate.)
• To order a copy of your birth certificate, click here. 
• The document, with an original signature (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.
• Walk-in customers may call 225.922.0330 for more information.