How to Get Washington State Secretary of State Apostille/Authentication 518-956-5673

Self-Service Guide for Washington State Secretary of State Notarization Authentication

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

If you do not have time to handle it yourself, you can also contact CHV for proxy services or call our customer service number: 518-956-5673 (US). We provide notarization authentication services for personal or corporate documents from all 50 states in the U.S., including consulate three-level authentication or Hague Authentication, with expedited processing available, completed in as fast as 3 business days.

Office processing or mail processing:

Washington Secretary of State
Corporations Division
Apostille and Certificate Program
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98504

Website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/apostilles/
Email: apostilles@sos.wa.gov

Washington State Notarization Authentication Processing Reminder

To obtain an Apostille or Authentication from the Washington State Corporations Division of the Secretary of State in Olympia, please refer to the following guidelines to ensure your documents are acceptable for Apostille or Authentication:

Notes on Demographic Documents: Documents such as birth and death certificates must be certified copies issued by the State Registrar or a health officer. These certificates do not require notarization. Birth and death certificates are provided by the county health department.

Notes on Marriage Certificates: Must be issued by the County Auditor.

Notes on Divorce Decrees: Must be issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court.

State and County Officials:
Must be recognized officials of Washington State (Deputy Secretary, Deputy Auditor, Recorder, Health Officer/Registrar) and the Auditor for certified copies of marriage certificates.

Notes on Academic Documents: Diplomas and transcripts issued by high schools or universities in Washington, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, The Evergreen State College, Seattle University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Gonzaga University. Please contact your school and request a notarized copy from the principal or university registrar with the school seal.

Documents commonly authenticated or apostilled in Washington include: birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates; articles of incorporation; bylaws; powers of attorney; diplomas; and transcripts.

Washington State offers free apostille or authentication services: www.sos.wa.gov/corps/apostilles

Appendix, Sample