Minnesota Secretary of State Apostille Authentication 518-956-5673

Self-Service Guide for Notarization and Authentication by the Minnesota Secretary of State

There are two types of notarization and authentication by the Secretary of State: Apostille and Certificate of Authentication. Apostille, also known as "Hague Authentication," can only be used within member countries of the Hague Convention. Since Chinese consulates are currently not part of the "Hague Convention member countries," only the "Certificate of Authentication" can be submitted to Chinese consulates in the United States.

If you don’t have time to handle it yourself, you can contact CHV for代办 services. Call our customer service at: 518-956-5673 (US). We provide notarization and authentication services for personal or corporate documents from all 50 states in the U.S., including consular three-level authentication or Hague Authentication. Expedited processing is available, with completion in as fast as 3 business days.

In-Person or Mail-in Processing:

Minnesota Secretary of State
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Phone: (651) 296-2803

Website: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=984

Reminders for Minnesota Notarization and Authentication

To obtain Hague Authentication or Authentication for Minnesota-issued documents signed by notaries and public officials from Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon in Saint Paul, please follow these guidelines:

• School Records: From institutions such as the University of Minnesota, Carleton College, Mayo Medical School, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Macalester College must include a confirmation letter and be notarized. Please request a copy from the relevant department or registrar.
• Vital Records must be certified and provided as originals by the county. They must be signed by county/state officials and/or State Registrar Molly Mulcahy Crawford or Steve Elkins.
• If you need a new copy of a vital record, contact the Office of Vital Records, Department of Health.
• If you need a new copy of a marriage certificate, you can apply to the county where the marriage took place.
• Photocopied signatures are not accepted. All documents must be originals and properly signed according to notarization rules.
• Notarized documents must include a dated and signed confirmation statement, noting the most recent term.
• Divorce decrees must be certified copies, stamped, and embossed with a seal.