How to Notarize and Authenticate Documents for the State of West Virginia, USA? 518-956-5673

Self-Service Guide for West Virginia Secretary of State Notarization and Authentication 5189565673

The Secretary of State offers two types of authentication: Apostille and Certificate of Authentication. An Apostille, also known as "Hague Authentication," is only valid within Hague Convention member countries. Since Chinese consulates are currently not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents submitted to Chinese consulates across the United States must use a "Certificate of Authentication."

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

In-Person or Mail-in Processing:

West Virginia Secretary of State
Business Authentications Division
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-6000

Fee: $10 per document for Hague Apostille, payable to "West Virginia Secretary of State."
Processing Time: Same-day for counter service or 14 days for mail-in orders.
Website: http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/authentications

Important Notes for West Virginia Authentication Processing 5189565673

Only documents certified by appropriate West Virginia officials, county clerks, state registrars, or notaries can be authenticated by the West Virginia Secretary of State in Charleston.
Documents must be originals or certified copies. Note that photocopies cannot be used for Hague Apostille or Authentication. Certified copies can be obtained from county clerks or courts in West Virginia.

Special Note for Documents Issued by the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice:
Even if an FBI background check signed by the Chief of the Biometric Services Division is technically issued in West Virginia, the Hague Apostille must be processed by an authentication officer at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia Marriage Certificates:
If you need a Hague Apostille or Authentication for a West Virginia marriage certificate, ensure it is signed by the current clerk of Kanawha County.

In West Virginia, documents that typically require Hague Apostille or Authentication include: birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates; articles of incorporation; bylaws; powers of attorney; diplomas; and transcripts.