Apostille or Authentication

On behalf of the Vermont Secretary of State, the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) issues apostille and authentication certificates for Vermont notarized documents and Vermont certified public records for use abroad. The type of certificate issued is based on the country where a document will be used.

The Process

1. Submit documents to be apostilled/authenticated.
2. Include a completed Apostille/Authentication Request Form.
3. Include the required fee of $10 per apostille/authentication.
   Payments: Do not send cash by mail. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
   Checks/money orders payable to the VT Secretary of State. Must be in U.S. dollars.
4. Deliver documents to VSARA at:
   1078 U.S. Route 2, Middlesex (physical address - drop box available)
   1078 U.S. Route 2 - Middlesex, Montpelier, VT 05633-7701 (mailing address)
5. Preliminary review prior to submitting document(s) is highly encouraged. Improperly notarized or certified documents will be rejected and cause delays. For more information, email SOS.StatutoryFilings@vermont.gov.
6. Documents will be returned by standard USPS. Delivery is not guaranteed once placed with the carrier. If trackable or expedited shipping is desired, include the appropriate prepaid label and/or shipping envelope with the request.

What VSARA Will Apostille or Authenticate

• Official copies of Vermont government documents, certified by the legal record custodian. Must be original certifications; duplicates will be rejected.
  • Authentications can be ordered online if ordered simultaneously with certified Vermont vital records through the Vital Records Request Service.
  • Certified Vermont court records must include the printed name of the court staff issuing it and the date certified.
• Notarial acts by Vermont-commissioned notaries public that meet Vermont’s statutory requirements. Signatures must be original.
  • Requirements can be found in 26 V.S.A., Chapter 103.
  • Academic documents must include a Vermont notarized attestation by the school registrar regarding the authenticity of the document.

What VSARA Will Not Apostille or Authenticate

• Certifications by notaries public of Vermont public records. These records will only be suitable for apostille/authentication if certified by the legal record custodian.
• Documents issued by the federal government. These documents need to be submitted to the U.S. Department of State, Authentications Office.
• Documents issued by other states. These documents need to be authenticated in the issuing state.
• Documents to be used in the United States or one of its territories. The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office does not issue apostilles or authentications for American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, or any other United States territory or possession.
• Documents concerning U.S. citizenship, allegiance to the United States or any U.S. state or other jurisdiction, sovereignty, Actual Notice of In Itinere Status and World Service Authority (or similar) will be refused (22 CFR 92.9 and 22 CFR 131.2).