Steps for obtaining an apostille or document authentication for ³Ô¹ÏÍø documents.

What is an Apostille?

If you plan to study, teach or work abroad, you may find yourself in need of an apostille.

An "apostille" or "document authentication" certifies the signature and the position of the official who has executed, issued, or certified a copy of a document. The educational documents usually requested for certification are the diploma and/or official transcript. Even though your ³Ô¹ÏÍø transcript is considered official in every way, foreign countries that are members of the may require documents to be certified in order to be accepted in the foreign jurisdiction.

According to the Ohio Secretary of State, "An apostille is a certificate issued by our office for all documents going to countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention.  Since not all countries are members of the Hague Convention, it is important that you list the country to which your documents are going.  With the certification of the apostille, the document is entitled to recognition in the country of intended use, and no additional authentication or legalization is required.  For a list of countries that accept the Apostille, please visit the official Web site of ." (Source: )

What is OWU's role in the apostille process?

While the apostille certification is provided by the Ohio Secretary of State, OWU's Office of the Registrar can help assist you in gathering materials to add an apostille to a diploma or official transcript. Our role in this process is to provide the notarized document and also a notarized acknowledgment certificate. We will certify the document as an official record or true copy of the original before a notary public, and include language with each document affirming that a notary public has confirmed its validity. These items will be issued directly to you as the requestor. It is then your responsibility to contact the Ohio Secretary of State for how to proceed with the apostille certification request.

 

Request an Official Transcript for Apostille Purposes

Step 1: Request an Official Transcript

Please visit to request an official transcript. Please note the following:

• You must request the official transcript to be a paper transcript.
• You must also request the official paper transcript to be mailed directly to you.
• In the comments section of your official paper transcript request, please write that the transcript is for "Apostille Purposes" and will need to be notarized and accompany a notarized acknowledgment certificate.
• Your notarized official paper transcript and notarized acknowledgment certificate will be delivered to you via mail.

Step 2: Contact The Ohio Secretary of State

Once you receive the notarized diploma and notarized acknowledgment certificate, you will need to follow the procedures listed at (including the ). For more information, see their or contact their office at (614) 728-9200 for further assistance.

 

Request a Diploma for Apostille Purposes

Step 1: Request a Diploma

Please visit the Replacement Diplomas Web page for information on how to order a replacement diploma. Please note the following:

• In your written request, please write that the diploma is for Apostille purposes and will need to be notarized and accompany a notarized acknowledgment certificate.
• The diploma must be mailed directly to you.
• Your notarized replacement diploma and notarized acknowledgment certificate will be delivered to you via mail.

Step 2: Contact The Ohio Secretary of State

Once you receive the notarized diploma and notarized acknowledgment certificate, you will need to follow the procedures listed at (including the ). For more information, see their or contact their office at (614) 728-9200 for further assistance.

If you need your diploma authenticated for use in a country that is not a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, you will need to work with the U.S. Department of State for an authentication certificate.