Louisiana Apostille Services — Birth, FBI, Marriage, Divorce, Diplomas & Business

If you live in Louisiana and need to present a Louisiana-issued document overseas, you’ll most likely require an apostille.Whether the document is a birth certificate from Orleans Parish,a marriage certificate from Jefferson Parish,a divorce decree certified in East Baton Rouge,a diploma from LSU or Tulane,or a notarized power of attorney,foreign authorities abroad generally will not accept it without authentication.The apostille certificate validates the signature and seal of the Louisiana authority that issued or notarized the document,so your paperwork can be accepted abroad without further question.

Louisiana’s heritage is unique — a blend of French, Spanish, and American traditions — but its apostille system aligns with the international standards set by the1961 Hague Apostille Convention. That means documents originating in Louisiana can be legalized for use in over 120 countries with a single-page apostille certificate.For countries outside the Hague Convention, additional legalization steps are required. This guide covers every aspect of Louisiana apostille services:what they are, who issues them, when they’re needed, how to prepare your documents correctly, common pitfalls, and the difference between doing it yourself by mail versus using an expedited professional service.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles in Louisiana are issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division — Authentications in Baton Rouge.

Eligible Documents: Vital records (birth, marriage, death, divorce), court judgments and orders, notarized documents (affidavits, POAs, parental consents), academic diplomas and transcripts (with registrar letter or sealed packet), and corporate records. Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Turnaround: Mail-in can take 4–6+ weeks. In-person filing with complete readiness can achieve same-day or 24-hour service in many cases.

Price: $145 per document, all government fees included. Same-day scans guaranteed. U.S. shipping optional ($20 flat), international shipping by quote.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an internationally recognized certificate attached to a document to verify the authenticity of the issuing official’s signature and seal.It does not validate the content of the document itself; rather, it confirms that the Louisiana registrar, clerk, or notary who signed or sealed the document was legitimate and properly authorized at the time.

Think of the apostille as a handshake between governments. A marriage certificate from Jefferson Parish or a diploma from LSU might be perfectly valid at home,but a consular officer in Italy or a registrar in Spain needs an easy way to trust the signature on it. The apostille provides that trust signal.Once attached, the foreign authority can accept your document without further embassy or consulate authentication if the destination country is a Hague member.For non-Hague destinations (e.g., China, UAE, Qatar, Vietnam), you’ll need an authentication from the Louisiana Secretary of State plus consular legalization.The good news: both routes are predictable when your paperwork is prepared correctly.

Who Issues Apostilles in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division in Baton Rouge is responsible for issuing apostilles and authentications on Louisiana state and local documents. Categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates. These typically originate from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry or a parish clerk of court.
• Court Records — Judgments, adoptions, probates, and custody orders certified by parish clerks or the court.
• Notarized Documents — Louisiana’s civil-law notaries have broad authority. Apostilles can be attached to notarized affidavits, powers of attorney, letters of authorization, and commercial instruments, provided the notarial certificate is in order.
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, and enrollment verifications from LSU, Tulane, Southern University, Grambling State, Louisiana Tech, Loyola, UL Lafayette, and others. A registrar letter or sealed packet is usually required.
• Business Records — Articles of Incorporation/Organization, Certificates of Good Standing, and resolutions certified by the Secretary of State or notarized corporate documents executed by officers.

Important: Federal documents (FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/USDC certificates, Social Security benefit letters) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.Louisiana cannot apostille documents issued by federal agencies.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Louisiana residents and businesses encounter apostille requirements more often than they expect. Here are the most frequent scenarios:

• Immigration & Visas: Residency applications in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and more commonly ask for apostilled birth and marriage certificates, plus a federal FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Credential Evaluation: Universities and licensing boards abroad often require apostilled diplomas, transcripts, and confirmation letters from the registrar.
• Marriage Abroad: Civil ceremonies in Italy, France, Mexico, and many Caribbean destinations may require apostilled vital records and an apostilled single-status affidavit.
• International Adoption: Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, vital records, notarized medical letters, and notarized financial statements.
• Dual Citizenship: Italian, Irish, Spanish, and Portuguese consulates regularly call for multi-generational vital records with apostilles.
• Business Expansion & Banking: Opening a foreign bank account or registering a branch may require apostilled Articles, Good Standing Certificates, and board resolutions.
• Property & Estates: Wills, probate orders, and death certificates may need apostilles to transfer property or claim inheritances overseas.
• Professional Licensing: Healthcare, engineering, and teaching boards abroad can require apostilled diplomas, transcripts, and notarized experience letters.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail delays add risk	Same-day/24-hour possible with readiness
Risk of Rejection	Higher — wrong copy, stale issuance, missing seals	Lower — expert pre-check and destination rules applied
Visibility	Minimal once mailed; limited tracking	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research requirements, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We manage review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Non-Hague routes require consulate legwork by you	We handle both Hague and non-Hague routes end-to-end
Best For	No deadlines; low-stakes uses	Deadlines, consulate interviews, enrollments, closings

Pricing & ETA

Document Readiness (How to Make It “Apostille-Ready”)

The single biggest factor in a fast apostille is readiness. Louisiana will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incorrectly notarized documents.Before you submit, confirm that your paperwork checks all of the following boxes.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce)

• Certified Copy: Obtain a recent certified copy from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry or the appropriate parish clerk/court. Photocopies and scans are not acceptable.
• Legible Signatures & Seals: The clerk or registrar’s signature and embossed or inked seal must be visible. If it’s faint, request a re-issuance.
• Recent Issuance: Many foreign recipients prefer records issued within 90 days; if yours is older, consider ordering a new copy.

Court Records

• Certified by Clerk: Judgments, adoption decrees, probate orders, and custody orders must bear the certification of the parish clerk or the court.
• Complete Page Count: Include all pages referenced in the certification, including exhibits if required.
• No Alterations: Do not staple or remove staples; do not highlight or mark. Altered packets are frequently rejected.

Notarized Documents

• Proper Venue & Date: The notarial certificate should show the parish and date of notarization.
• Notary Identification: Printed name, signature, and commission ID where applicable. Louisiana civil-law notaries commonly include their Notary ID.
• Signer Presence & ID: All signers must appear in person and sign before the notary; remote notarization requirements differ by jurisdiction.
• Complete Certificates: Use robust certificates (acknowledgment or jurat) rather than minimal stamps. Incomplete language is a top reason for rejection.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts, Enrollment Letters)

• Registrar Letter or Sealed Packet: Most institutions require the registrar to certify the authenticity of the diploma/transcript and seal it in an envelope.
• Contact the Registrar: Ask for “apostille readiness” — they know the drill and can provide the correct certification language.
• Do Not Open Sealed Envelopes: The Secretary of State must break the seal; if you open it, it becomes void.

Business Records (Articles, Good Standing, Resolutions)

• Certified by Secretary of State: Order certified copies or a Good Standing Certificate directly from the state.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: If using internal resolutions or minutes, have them properly notarized.

Step-by-Step Process (Louisiana & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Louisiana) or federal? State/local go to Louisiana Secretary of State. Federal go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Ensure certified copies, correct notarization, registrar letters/seals, and—if needed—sealed envelopes.
3. Confirm the Destination Path: Hague country = apostille. Non-Hague country = Louisiana authentication plus consular legalization. Plan the route.
4. Submit: File in person for speed or by mail if timing allows. Include payment and clear instructions for return shipping.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue, resolve it quickly to avoid returns.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship to you (U.S. or international).

“The difference between a one-day apostille and a six-week wait is usually a single missing element — an unopened registrar envelope, a complete notary certificate, or a fresh certified copy.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

Birth certificates are the backbone of visa, citizenship, and marriage applications. For Louisiana-issued birth certificates, order a certified copy from the Vital Records Registry or the relevant parish.Many consulates and civil registries abroad want certificates issued within the last 90 days. If yours is older, order a new one to avoid a last-minute scramble.

After you have a certified copy, the Louisiana Secretary of State can attach the apostille. If your destination is non-Hague (e.g., UAE), the document is first authenticated by the state and then legalized at the foreign consulate.

Use cases: residency in Spain or Portugal, dual citizenship in Italy or Ireland, marriage abroad in Mexico or France, university enrollments that verify identity and place of birth.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

Louisiana marriage certificates are commonly apostilled for spousal visas and marriage recognition abroad. Start with a certified copy from the parish or Vital Records.Some countries also ask for a single-status or “no impediment” affidavit, which must be notarized properly before apostille. Confirm the recipient’s exact list to avoid repeats.

Use cases: spouse/partner visas, registering a marriage overseas, updating civil status for property and inheritance rights.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Divorce decrees, custody orders, and support judgments come from the court system and must be certified by the parish clerk. Ensure the certification covers the entire decree (not just a summary page) unless your recipient asks otherwise.If you are remarrying abroad, the civil office may require both the divorce decree apostille and a fresh marriage certificate apostille once the new marriage is recorded.

Death Certificate Apostille

Heirs and executors often need apostilled death certificates to settle estates, transfer property, or claim life insurance abroad. As with births and marriages, obtain a certified copy.Where there are probate orders, those may also require apostilles — check with the overseas notary or registry to determine the exact set of documents they expect.

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Academic packets require extra care. Universities typically provide a registrar letter that states the diploma/transcript is genuine, includes the registrar’s signature, and is sealed in an envelope.Do not open the envelope. The Louisiana Secretary of State must see the original seal intact to issue the apostille. If you open it, you’ll need to request a new packet.

Use cases: postgraduate admissions, professional licensing, teacher and nurse credentialing, international employment verifications.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Louisiana’s civil-law notaries can draft powerful instruments, including powers of attorney, parental travel consents, company resolutions, and affidavits.The key is a complete notarial certificate with venue, date, signer identification, notary signature, printed name, and commission details. If your destination specifies certificate language, bring it to the notary.

Use cases: appointing an agent to handle property in Mexico, authorizing a relative to complete a real-estate closing in Spain, granting parental consent for a minor’s travel abroad.

Corporate Documents

For banking, branch registration, or vendor onboarding abroad, you may need Articles of Incorporation/Organization, a Good Standing Certificate, and notarized board resolutions.Order state-certified copies from the Secretary of State and, where needed, have internal resolutions notarized. Clarify whether the foreign party wants state-certified copies only or will accept corporate notarizations with apostille.

FBI Background Check (Federal)

An FBI background check is a federal document. It must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by Louisiana.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil) require this federal apostille in addition to your state-level vital records apostilles. These are separate tracks on separate timelines.

For a deeper dive, see our dedicated guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

Louisiana Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration Abroad

Families from Baton Rouge moving to Spain often need apostilled birth certificates for each family member, a marriage certificate apostille, and a federally apostilled FBI report for both adults.If enrolling children in school, the registrar may also ask for apostilled immunization records or notarized affidavits translated into Spanish.

Study & Work Abroad

A Tulane grad taking a job in Milan might be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized and apostilled employment letter, and sometimes an apostilled background check.The Italian consulate could also require a translation performed by a sworn translator. Knowing the sequence (apostille before translation or vice versa) prevents do-overs.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from New Orleans planning a ceremony in Florence may need recent apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit, and an apostilled copy of a prior divorce decree if applicable.The municipality will specify freshness windows and translation expectations; plan far enough ahead to secure appointments.

Adoption

Louisiana adoption dossiers range from straightforward to complex, but typically include apostilled vital records, apostilled court orders, and apostilled notarized medical/financial statements.Expect non-Hague countries to require the authentication + consular legalization route.

Dual Citizenship

For Italian citizenship jure sanguinis, applicants often gather multiple generations of Louisiana birth, marriage, and death certificates — all apostilled — plus certified translations.A methodical approach (one family line at a time) avoids missing links and repeat requests.

Business Expansion

A Lafayette startup opening a subsidiary in Lisbon might need apostilled Articles, a Good Standing Certificate, and a notarized/apostilled board resolution authorizing a local director.Banks can be especially strict: ask for their exact checklist and whether they accept certified copies or require original corporate instruments.

Cities & Parishes Served

We serve every city and parish in Louisiana, including but not limited to:

• Major Cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria, Bossier City, Kenner, Houma, Slidell, Central, Ruston, Natchitoches.
• Parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Caddo, Bossier, Lafayette, Calcasieu, Ouachita, Rapides, Terrebonne, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Ascension, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Iberia, Iberville, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion, Avoyelles, Beauregard, DeSoto, Lincoln, Morehouse, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Union, Washington, and more.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): Louisiana State University (LSU), Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southern University, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, Loyola University New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it will accept an apostille and you’re done.If it is not, your document must first be authenticated by the Louisiana Secretary of State and then legalized by the foreign embassy or consulate.Here’s how to think about it:

• Hague Countries (examples): Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand.
• Non-Hague Countries (examples): China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Vietnam, Egypt, Kuwait. These require authentication + consular legalization.

The path you choose affects timeline, cost, and the order of operations (apostille vs. translation; consulate appointments; courier logistics).We handle both routes and provide same-day scans as soon as the state step is complete so you can start downstream tasks immediately.

Timelines, Dependencies & Risks

DIY by Mail: Expect 4–6+ weeks, sometimes longer during peak seasons or holidays. Mail delays, returns for corrections, and consulate appointment backlogs can extend timelines significantly.If your visa interview or school intake date is fixed, this approach may be risky unless you start very early.

In-Person Filing: With complete readiness, many Louisiana apostilles can be turned in 24 hours or sooner.Our process includes a pre-check to catch issues before filing, reducing the chance of rejection or return.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State is a separate queue from Louisiana. Start both tracks in parallel when possible so that your documents converge around the same time.

Translations & Consulates: If translations or consular legalizations are required, factor in translator turnaround and consulate scheduling. These are common bottlenecks; having scans early helps you book appointments and upload documents while originals ship.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to Louisiana: FBI reports, IRS letters, and USDA/FDA certificates must go to the U.S. Department of State.
• Using photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals, not scans or photocopies.
• Incorrect notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate, no printed name, or absent notary ID can trigger rejections.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t. They must arrive sealed for apostille.
• Old vital records: If the recipient wants issuance within 90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong sequence with translations: Some destinations want the translation after the apostille; others want an apostilled translator affidavit. Confirm before you translate.
• Late starts: Consular legalizations and translations can add weeks. Begin early or use expedited assistance.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (Louisiana) or federal (U.S.)?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court) or a properly notarized original (affidavit/POA)?
• For academic records, did the registrar prepare a sealed packet or letter?
• For corporate records, do you have state-certified copies or notarized resolutions as requested?
• Is your destination a Hague or non-Hague country?
• Does the recipient specify a freshness window (e.g., issued in last 90 days)?
• Do you need translations, and in what order relative to the apostille?
• What is your deadline (visa appointment, start date, closing, onboarding)?
• Will same-day scans help you start downstream steps (booking, uploads) before originals arrive?

FAQ

Who issues Louisiana apostilles?

The Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division — Authentications, in Baton Rouge issues apostilles for Louisiana documents.

Can Louisiana apostille my FBI background check?

No. FBI background checks are federal and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

How fast can it be done?

Mail-in can take 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness and in-person filing, same-day or 24-hour results are often achievable.

Do apostilles expire?

The apostille itself does not expire, but many institutions require recent issuance of both the underlying document and the apostille (commonly within 90 days).

Is shipping required to get started?

No. We provide same-day scans of completed apostilles. Shipments of originals are optional within the U.S. ($20) and available internationally by quote.

Can you help with non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage both the state authentication step and consulate legalization, and we’ll advise on order of operations with translations.

What if my notarized document is from another state?

Each state apostilles its own documents. A Texas-notarized affidavit, for example, must be apostilled in Texas. We can guide you to the correct route.

What if my name changed since the document was issued?

Provide supporting apostilled documents that link identities (e.g., marriage certificate apostille). Consulates care about continuity across names.

Can I staple attachments or highlight sections?

Avoid altering official packets. Do not remove staples, add tabs, or highlight. Alterations can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in Louisiana and federal filings but are not a government agency.

Related Guides

• Birth Certificate Apostille
• Marriage Certificate Apostille
• Divorce Decree Apostille
• Death Certificate Apostille
• Academic Diplomas & Transcripts Apostille
• Power of Attorney & Notarized Documents Apostille
• FBI Background Check Apostille (Federal)

Disclaimer: Requirements and timelines are based on current guidance from the Louisiana Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State. They may change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.