Missouri Apostille Services — Birth, Marriage, Diplomas, FBI & Business

If you need to use a Missouri–issued document overseas, the receiving authority will usually require an apostille (for Hague Convention member countries) or a state authentication followed by consular legalization (for non-Hague destinations).That’s true whether you’re presenting a birth certificate from St. Louis City or Jackson County, a marriage certificate from St. Charles County,a divorce decree certified in Greene County, diplomas or transcripts from the University of Missouri (Mizzou/Columbia, UMKC, UMSL, Missouri S&T),Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Truman State, or Missouri State University, or a notarized power of attorney.The apostille certificate validates the signature and official capacity of the Missouri official or notary who signed or certified your document, allowing it to be accepted abroad without further authentication in Hague countries.

Missouri’s economy is globally connected—agriculture, logistics on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, aerospace, life sciences, defense contracting, and a dense higher-education network—so Missourians routinely need their paperwork to “travel well.”This guide explains who issues apostilles in Missouri, which documents qualify, how to prepare each category correctly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid, and when an expedited in-person filing makes more sense than DIY mail-in.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Missouri documents are issued by the Missouri Secretary of State — Commissions Division / Authentications in Jefferson City.

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth, marriage, death), divorce decrees and other court orders, notarized documents (affidavits, POAs, parental consents), academic records (diplomas/transcripts with registrar certification or sealed packets), and business records (Articles, Good Standing). Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Turnaround: Mail-in can take 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness, in-person filing commonly achieves same-day or 24-hour results.

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

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a standardized certificate that confirms the authenticity of the signature and authority on your Missouri document.It does not evaluate the content; it verifies that the registrar, court clerk, or notary who signed is legitimate and properly commissioned.When both the issuing and receiving countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille makes the document self-authenticating abroad—no additional embassy or consulate step required.

If your destination is not a Hague member, the route is two-stage: a state authentication from Missouri followed by consular legalization at the destination country’s embassy/consulate.The correct route depends on the destination; preparation details depend on the document category (vital record, court order, notarized item, academic record, or corporate filing).

Who Issues Apostilles in Missouri?

The Missouri Secretary of State (Jefferson City) issues apostilles and authentications for state and local documents originating in Missouri. Common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) Bureau of Vital Records or by local registrars; and divorce decrees certified by the appropriate Circuit Clerk.
• Court Records — Name changes, adoptions, guardianships, probate orders, and judgments certified by the Clerk of the Circuit/Probate Court with seal and certification.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, powers of attorney, parental travel consents, corporate resolutions, and various sworn statements with complete Missouri notarial certificates.
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment letters from the University of Missouri system (Mizzou/Columbia, UMKC, UMSL, Missouri S&T), Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Missouri State, Truman State, Southeast Missouri State, Rockhurst, Drury, Lindenwood, Webster, and others. Registrar letters and sealed packets are frequently required.
• Business Records — Articles/Certificates of Incorporation or Organization, Certificates of Good Standing, and certified copies from the Missouri Secretary of State; notarized corporate instruments executed by officers according to the foreign recipient’s instructions.

Federal documents—FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/USDC certificates, Social Security letters—are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by Missouri.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Missourians most often need apostilles for the following situations:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and others often require apostilled birth/marriage records plus a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Credentialing — Universities and boards abroad request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized employment/experience letters.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries abroad commonly ask for apostilled vital records and an apostilled single-status affidavit.
• International Adoption — Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, and Spanish consulates frequently require multigenerational vital records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Banks and registrars request apostilled Articles, Good Standing, and board resolutions for account opening or foreign qualification.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates may be required to transfer assets or claim inheritances abroad.
• Professional Licensing — Health, engineering, education, and maritime boards abroad may require apostilled diplomas and notarized credentials.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail/backlog delays possible	Same-day/24-hour possible with readiness
Risk of Rejection	Higher — wrong copy, stale issuance, incomplete notary wording	Lower — expert pre-check, destination-specific guidance
Visibility	Limited once mailed; hard to course-correct	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We manage review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Consular legalizations (non-Hague) handled by you	We handle Hague and non-Hague routes end-to-end
Best For	No deadlines; low-stakes uses	Fixed interviews, start dates, closings, admissions

Pricing & ETA

Document Readiness (Make It “Apostille-Ready”)

Fast results start with flawless paperwork. Missouri will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to avoid rejections and returns.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Certified Copy: Obtain a recent certified copy from DHSS Bureau of Vital Records or your county/city office. Photocopies/scans aren’t acceptable.
• Legible Seals & Signatures: Ensure the registrar/clerk signature and raised/ink seal are clear. If faint, request re-issuance.
• Freshness Window: If the recipient requires issuance within 90 days, order fresh copies before filing.

Divorce Decrees & Court Orders

• Certified by Clerk: The decree/order must bear the Circuit/Probate Clerk’s certification and court seal.
• Complete Packet: Include all pages referenced by the certification; don’t remove staples or add tabs/highlighting.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

• Complete Notarial Certificate: Use a Missouri acknowledgment or jurat with venue (State/County), date, printed notary name, signature, commission number/expiration, and stamp as applicable.
• Signer Presence & ID: Signers must appear before the notary (or use Missouri-approved remote notarization when permitted).
• Destination Wording: If a foreign authority requires specific notary language, bring it to the notarization to avoid rewrites.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Universities commonly issue a registrar letter attesting to authenticity; sometimes a certified copy of the diploma is attached and stamped.
• Sealed Envelopes: Many schools issue sealed packets for apostille. Do not open them; the Secretary of State must break the seal.
• Apostille-Ready Request: Tell the registrar the documents are for international use so the correct signature titles and seals appear.

Business Records (Articles, Good Standing, Resolutions)

• State-Certified Copies: When a foreign bank or registry asks for state certification, order certified copies or a Good Standing Certificate from the Missouri Secretary of State.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: If using internal resolutions/minutes, have them properly notarized in Missouri.

Step-by-Step Process (Missouri & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Missouri) or federal? Missouri documents go to the Secretary of State. Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Secure certified copies, complete notary certificates, registrar letters, and sealed packets per document type.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = Missouri authentication + consular legalization. Confirm the route by destination country.
4. Submit: File in person for speed (recommended) or by mail if timing allows. Include fees and clear return/shipping instructions.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue, respond immediately to avoid returns and re-queues.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship domestically or internationally per your preference.

“Speed comes from readiness: the right copy, the right certification, the right route. When those three align, Missouri apostilles move fast.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified Missouri birth certificate is routinely required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a fresh certified copy from DHSS or your county/city vital records office. Hague destinations accept the apostille; non-Hague destinations require Missouri authentication plus consular legalization.

Use cases: long-stay visas (Spain/Portugal), citizenship by descent (Italy/Ireland/Portugal), marriage abroad (Mexico/France), university enrollments, professional licensing abroad.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

Missouri marriage certificates are often apostilled for spousal visas and marriage recognition overseas.Many registries also request a single-status affidavit (notarized and apostilled). If there was a prior marriage, an apostilled divorce decree may be required to prove capacity to marry.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy of the decree from the Circuit Clerk. Ensure the certification covers the full decree unless the foreign recipient specifies a short form.For remarriage abroad, expect to present both the apostilled divorce decree and, after the new ceremony is recorded, the apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Required for estates, property transfers, and insurance claims abroad. If probate orders or letters testamentary/administration are relevant, those may require separate apostilles.Confirm with the foreign notary/registry whether they need only the death certificate or the full probate packet apostilled.

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as the University of Missouri (Columbia, UMKC, UMSL, Missouri S&T), Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Missouri State University, Truman State University,Southeast Missouri State University, Rockhurst University, Drury University, Lindenwood University, and Webster University typically provide a registrar letter certifying the diploma/transcript.The packet is often sealed for delivery to the Secretary of State—do not open sealed envelopes.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Your notary block must be complete and Missouri-compliant. If your destination requires specific wording, take that language to the notary.Common examples: property powers of attorney, parental travel consents, authorization letters, and corporate resolutions.

Corporate Documents

For foreign banking or corporate setup, expect requests for Articles/Certificates of Organization or Incorporation, a Certificate of Good Standing, and a board resolution naming signatory authority.Some banks insist on state-certified copies; others accept notarized corporate documents with apostille. Ask the bank for its exact checklist before filing.

FBI Background Check (Federal)

The FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State—not by Missouri.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil) require this federal apostille alongside your Missouri state apostilles on vital records.

See our dedicated guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

Missouri Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Chesterfield relocating to Lisbon may need apostilled birth certificates for the children, an apostilled marriage certificate for the parents, and federally apostilled FBI reports for both adults.Schools abroad might ask for apostilled enrollment letters or notarized vaccination statements (then apostilled).

Study & Work Abroad

A Missouri S&T engineer heading to a role in Milan might be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled employment letter, and a federally apostilled FBI report.Italy often requires certified translations—confirm whether translations follow the apostille or use a translator affidavit that itself gets notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Kansas City marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit, and, where applicable, an apostilled divorce decree.Municipalities set issuance windows (often 90 days), so plan your vital record orders accordingly.

Adoption

Adoption dossiers frequently involve apostilled court orders, notarized medical letters, employment verifications, financial statements, and vital records.Non-Hague countries often require the two-step state authentication + consular legalization route; sequencing and courier logistics matter.

Dual Citizenship

Italian and Irish citizenship by descent typically requires multiple generations of Missouri vital records—each with apostilles—plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then schedule apostilles in batches so issuance dates align and stay “fresh.”

Business Banking & Expansion

A startup in St. Louis opening a European account may need an apostilled Good Standing, state-certified Articles, and a notarized/apostilled board resolution assigning signatory authority.Many banks will pre-check scans while originals ship; our same-day scans help you move quickly.

Counties, Cities & Campuses Served

We serve the entire State of Missouri, including but not limited to:

• Counties: St. Louis City & County, Jackson, St. Charles, Greene, Clay, Jefferson, Boone, Platte, Franklin, Cass, Buchanan, Christian, Jasper, Cole, Cape Girardeau, Phelps, Pettis, Newton.
• Cities/Towns: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, Blue Springs, St. Peters, Joplin, Florissant, Chesterfield, Jefferson City, Wentzville, Cape Girardeau, Liberty, Raytown.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of Missouri (Columbia/Mizzou, UMKC, UMSL, Missouri S&T), Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Missouri State University, Truman State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Rockhurst University, Drury University, Lindenwood University, Webster University.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague countries accept a Missouri apostille; non-Hague countries require a Missouri authentication plus consular legalization.The destination determines the route and influences translation sequencing and consulate appointments.

• 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 after the state step.

We handle both routes and provide same-day scans immediately after the state step so you can schedule consulates or upload to portals while originals are in transit.

Timelines, Dependencies & Risks

DIY by Mail: Plan for 4–6+ weeks due to mailing time, office backlogs, and possible returns for corrections. If you have a fixed travel date, visa appointment, property closing, or onboarding, mail-in can be risky unless you start early.

In-Person Filing: With correct readiness, many Missouri apostilles are completed in 24 hours or less.Pre-checking certification types, seals, and notary language is the best defense against delays.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State apostille line is a separate queue. Start state and federal tracks in parallel when timing is tight.

Translations & Consulates: Sworn translations and consular legalizations add time. Confirm whether translations follow the apostille or require a translator affidavit (notarized and then apostilled).

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to Missouri: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals—never to simple copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate language, missing printed notary name, absent commission details, or no stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Do not open them. If opened, you’ll need a new sealed packet.
• Old vital records: If the recipient requires issuance within 90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong translation order: Ask whether translations come after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself gets notarized and apostilled.
• Late starts: Embassy appointment backlogs and translation queues can add weeks. Start early or use expedited help.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (Missouri) or federal?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court) or a properly notarized original (affidavit/POA)?
• For school records, did the registrar prepare a sealed packet or provide a signed registrar letter?
• For corporate records, do you have state-certified copies or notarized resolutions per the foreign recipient’s instructions?
• Is your destination Hague (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication + consular legalization)?
• Does the recipient require a freshness window (commonly 90 days)?
• Do you need translations, and what is the proper sequence relative to the apostille?
• What is your deadline (visa interview, start date, closing, enrollment)?
• Will same-day scans let you begin downstream steps while originals ship?

FAQ

Who issues Missouri apostilles?

The Missouri Secretary of State — Commissions Division / Authentications in Jefferson City issues apostilles and authentications for Missouri documents.

Can Missouri apostille my FBI background check?

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

How fast can Missouri apostilles be completed?

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

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille does not expire, but many consulates, schools, and banks require recent issuance of both the record and the apostille (often within 90 days).

Is shipping required to get started?

No. We provide same-day scans of completed apostilles. U.S. shipping of originals is optional ($20); international shipping is available by quote.

Can you handle non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage the Missouri authentication and coordinate consulate legalization, including guidance on translation order and acceptable formats.

What if my notarized document was signed in another state?

Each state apostilles its own documents. A Kansas- or Illinois-notarized affidavit must be apostilled in its state of notarization, not in Missouri.

What if my name changed after my document was issued?

You may need apostilled supporting records (e.g., marriage certificate, name-change order) to connect identities for the recipient abroad.

Can I staple attachments or add sticky notes?

Avoid altering official packets. Don’t remove staples, add tabs, or highlight text; alterations can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in Missouri and federal filings, but we 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 reflect common practices of the Missouri Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State but can change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.