Where can I authenticate my documents?
Asked by: Mr. Marcus Dietrich DVM | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 5/5 (20 votes)
To authenticate documents, you'll use different authorities depending on the document's origin: State-issued documents go to your state's Secretary of State (or similar office), U.S. Federal documents to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications, and for international use, you'll often get an apostille from the state/federal authority first, then potentially the destination country's embassy. For overseas authentication, U.S. Embassies/Consulates offer services.
How do you authenticate a document?
Get your state document authenticated by the state who issued the document. Ask the office that issued the document for the name of the authenticating authority if you do not know whom to contact. This individual could be the state's secretary of state, a lieutenant governor, or other authority.
Where can I have my documents authenticated?
Please be informed that DFA with authentication services are accepting applicants through: ONLINE APPOINTMENT (through website https://appointment.apostille.gov.ph/) You may avail the online appointment facility if you are: Document owners or document of immediate family members; or.
How do you get a document authenticated?
A notary public specialises in authenticating documents, and a Notarial Act Certificate has recognition worldwide. A solicitor cannot bind documents - only an Irish Notary Public can securely bind documents together.
Where can I certify my documents?
Certified copies of travel documents or identity documents. Documents legalised by commissioners of oath to be true copies of the original must be taken to a public notary (an attorney who is registered at the High Court).
How to Authenticate Documents at Trial
Who can certify documents in the USA?
Public Act 102-160 allows a Notary to certify a paper or tangible copy of an electronic document is a true and correct copy.
Where can I get my stuff authenticated?
PSA is the largest and most trusted autograph authentication service in the world. With over 35 million collectibles certified, PSA authenticates a vast array of signatures, ranging from sports to history and entertainment.
Can I apostille a document online?
Yes, you can get an apostille online, either by using specialized online apostille services that handle the entire process for you (uploading documents, paying online) or through some state government portals, though many still require mailing physical documents after initial online steps; it's a convenient way to get birth certificates, marriage licenses, or other official papers authenticated for international use.
How do I authenticate my certificate?
HOW TO AUTHENTICATE CERTIFICATE IN NIGERIA
- Certificate.
- Transcripts.
- International Passport of the Applicant.
- Admission Letter, where the attestation is required to seek admission to a foreign school.
- Payment of prescribed fee.
- The attestation process at the Ministry of Education takes between one to two days.
What documents need an apostille?
To get an apostille, you need the original or certified copy of your document, a completed request form from the relevant authority (like your state's Secretary of State or the U.S. Dept. of State), the correct fees, and the name of the country where you'll use it, plus return postage for mailed requests. The document must already be properly notarized or certified, and federal documents need authentication from the U.S. Department of State, while state documents go to the Secretary of State.
Where to go for authentication of documents?
DFA authentication services are provided at the following locations, all in Metro Manila:
- DFA Office of Consular Affairs Authentication Division. ...
- DFA NCR-Northeast(Ali Mall) ...
- DFA NCR-East(SM Megamall) ...
- DFA NCR-West(SM Manila) ...
- DFA NCR-South(Metro Gaisano Alabang)
What is the best way to authenticate?
Although you can choose from several authentication options, some authentication methods like face or touch unlock, security keys, and PIV/CAC cards are more secure against phishing and theft.
What types of evidence must be authenticated?
One of the most basic rules of introducing evidence at trial is that each piece of non-testimonial evidence must be authenticated before its introduction. Non-testimonial evidence includes tangible items such as documents, photographs, recordings, datasets and even murder weapons.
How much does Real Authentication cost?
$30 Basic Authentication
Includes an Authentic or Counterfeit determination within 24 hours of receiving sufficient images.
Who can give a certificate of authenticity?
First of all, the artist himself can issue such a certificate when selling one of his works. But other people may also be required to issue a certificate of authenticity: this could be a member of the artist's family who holds the moral rights and is responsible for ensuring that the work is respected.
Where to authenticate a document?
How to get an apostille and when you need one
- Documents such as vital records issued by a U.S. state will need an apostille from that state's secretary of state.
- Federal documents will need an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
Can my local post office certify documents?
Certified copies of your important documents
Need to provide photocopies of documents? Get them certified as a true likeness of their originals at selected Post Office branches. Pay a fee for the copies you need and keep the originals. The organisation that requested them gets copies certified by a trusted brand.
Does CVS do notary?
Yes, CVS offers notary services at select locations and times, but it's not guaranteed at every store, so you need to use the store locator on the CVS website to check availability and hours for your specific store before visiting. Notary availability varies day-to-day, and while some stores might not list it online, they might still have a notary.
Where else can I certify my documents?
The following professionals can legally certify documents:
- Commissioners of Oaths (e.g. SAPS officers, attorneys, bank managers)
- Notaries Public (for documents used internationally)
- Certain government officials (e.g. Home Affairs)
Can I get apostille the same day?
Apostilled documents will be released/delivered in: ○ 2 working days for the National Capital Region ○ 2–5 working days for Luzon ○ 5–7 working days for Visayas and Mindanao For CHED eCAV: ● Once notified by CHED that the eCAV is available, applicants must register and pay for apostille services via PARS.
Can I self-attest my documents?
Self attestation is the process of signing a photocopy of a document to declare that it is a true copy of the original. It is widely accepted for government forms, college admissions, job applications, KYC updates, and verification processes.
How to get documents attested in the USA?
Contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications at 202-485-8000. Physical address: 600 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.