Georgia Apostille FAQ

Answers to common questions about the apostille process in Georgia.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature, seal, or stamp on the document so it is recognized by foreign governments.

How do I get an apostille in Georgia?

In Georgia, apostilles are issued by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). You must submit your document with the proper notarization or certification. You can submit by mail or in person at the GSCCCA office in Atlanta.

What documents can be apostilled in Georgia?

Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, FBI background checks, corporate documents (articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing), powers of attorney, diplomas, and transcripts.

How long does the Georgia apostille process take?

The GSCCCA typically processes apostille requests within 1-3 business days for in-person submissions. Mail-in requests generally take 5-10 business days, not including mailing time.

How much does an apostille cost in Georgia?

The GSCCCA charges $3 per apostille. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, shipping, or if you use a professional apostille service to handle the process on your behalf.

Can I get an apostille for a federal document in Georgia?

No. Federal documents such as FBI background checks, patents, and federal court orders must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by the GSCCCA.

What is the difference between an apostille and authentication?

An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Authentication (or legalization) is required for non-Hague countries and involves a multi-step process through the Secretary of State and the destination country embassy or consulate.

Do I need to notarize my document before getting an apostille?

It depends on the document. Certified copies from government agencies generally do not need separate notarization. However, private documents such as powers of attorney or affidavits must be notarized by a Georgia notary public before an apostille can be issued.

Can I apostille a photocopy of my document?

You cannot apostille a plain photocopy. However, you can have a notary public create a notarized copy of the original document, and then that notarized copy can receive an apostille from the GSCCCA.

Which countries accept a Georgia apostille?

Any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention will accept a Georgia apostille. This includes over 120 countries such as Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and many more.