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

If you’re planning to use a Nebraska–issued document overseas, you’ll almost certainly be asked for an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or astate authentication followed by consular legalization (for non-Hague destinations). This applies whether you’re presenting abirth certificate from Douglas County, amarriage certificate recorded in Lancaster County, adivorce decree certified in Sarpy County,diplomas or transcripts from the University of Nebraska (UNL/UNO/UNK) or Creighton University,or a notarized power of attorney used for a property closing abroad.The apostille is a single-page certificate that confirms the signature and official capacity of the Nebraska official or notary who signed your document, so it can be accepted overseas without further authentication in Hague member countries.

Nebraska’s global ties run deep—agriculture and food processing, logistics along the I-80 corridor, finance and insurance in Omaha, research and higher education in Lincoln, and growing tech and healthcare hubs statewide.Residents, students, and companies commonly need their Nebraska paperwork recognized abroad for visas, studies, banking, adoptions, marriages, corporate registrations, and more.This guide delivers a complete, practical roadmap: who issues apostilles in Nebraska, which documents are eligible, how to prepare each category properly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid, and when an expedited in-person filing beats DIY mail-in.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Nebraska documents are issued by the Nebraska Secretary of State — Notary Public Division / Authentications in Lincoln.

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

Turnaround: DIY mail-in often takes 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 Nebraska document.It doesn’t evaluate the document’s content; rather, it certifies 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 embassy or consulate step required.

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

Who Issues Apostilles in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Secretary of State in Lincoln issues apostilles and authentications for state and local documents originating in Nebraska. Common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Vital Records or by county/city vital records offices; and divorce decrees certified by the Clerk of the District Court.
• Court Records — Name-change orders, adoptions, guardianships, probate orders, and judgments certified by the appropriate court (District/County/Probate) with the clerk’s seal and certification.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, powers of attorney, parental travel consents, corporate resolutions, and other sworn statements with complete Nebraska notarial certificates (acknowledgment or jurat).
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment verifications from the University of Nebraska (UNL, UNO, UNK), Creighton University, Nebraska Wesleyan, Bellevue University, Doane University, Concordia University Nebraska, Hastings College, and the state colleges (Chadron, Wayne, Peru). 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 Nebraska Secretary of State; notarized corporate instruments executed by officers per 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 Nebraska.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Nebraskans most often need apostilles for these 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, credential evaluators, and licensing boards abroad request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized employment/experience letters.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries commonly request apostilled vital records and an apostilled single-status affidavit (sometimes called a “certificate of no impediment”).
• 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 Nebraska vital records, each with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign banks and registrars often ask for apostilled Articles, Good Standing, and board resolutions for account opening or foreign qualification.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to transfer assets or claim inheritances abroad.
• Professional Licensing — Health, engineering, education, maritime, and other 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. Nebraska 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 DHHS Vital Records or your county/city office. Photocopies/scans are not acceptable.
• Legible Seals & Signatures: The registrar/clerk signature and raised/ink seal must be clear. If faint, request re-issuance.
• Freshness Window: If the destination requires issuance within 90 days, order fresh copies before filing.

Divorce Decrees & Court Orders

• Certified by Clerk: The decree/order must bear the certification of the District/County/Probate Court Clerk with the court seal.
• Complete Packet: Include all pages referenced by the certification; do not remove staples or add tabs/highlighting.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

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

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Many institutions issue a registrar letter attesting to authenticity; sometimes a certified copy of the diploma is attached and stamped.
• Sealed Envelopes: Schools often provide sealed packets meant for apostille. Do not open them; the Secretary of State must break the seal.
• “Apostille-Ready” Request: Tell the registrar the documents will be used abroad so the correct signatures/titles are included.

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 Nebraska Secretary of State.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: Internal resolutions or officer letters should be properly notarized in Nebraska.

Step-by-Step Process (Nebraska & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Nebraska) or federal? Nebraska documents go to the Nebraska 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 as required.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = Nebraska authentication + consular legalization. Confirm the route based on destination country.
4. Submit: File in person for speed (recommended) or by mail if your 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, Nebraska apostilles move fast.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified Nebraska birth certificate is frequently required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a fresh certified copy from DHHS Vital Records or your county/city office. Hague destinations accept an apostille; non-Hague destinations require Nebraska 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

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

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy of the decree from the Clerk of the District Court. Ensure the certification covers the full decree unless the recipient requests a short form.For remarriage abroad, you may need both the apostilled divorce decree and, after the new ceremony is recorded, the apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Apostilled death certificates are often required for probate or inheritance abroad, pension matters, or life-insurance claims.If probate orders or letters testamentary/administration are involved, those may need separate apostilles. Confirm expectations with the foreign registry or notary.

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions across the state—including the University of Nebraska (UNL in Lincoln, UNO in Omaha, UNK in Kearney), Creighton University, Nebraska Wesleyan, Bellevue University, Doane University, Concordia University Nebraska, Hastings College, and the Nebraska State College System (Chadron, Wayne, Peru)—typically provide a registrar letter attesting to authenticity and/or issue sealed packets. Do not open sealed envelopes; the Secretary of State must break the seal.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Your notary certificate must be complete and Nebraska-compliant. If your destination requires specific wording, bring that language to the notary.Common examples include property powers of attorney, parental travel consents, company authorization letters, translator affidavits, 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 Nebraska.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil) require this federal apostille alongside Nebraska apostilles on vital records.

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

Nebraska Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Omaha 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.The receiving school could request an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination statement (then apostilled). Align issuance dates with your consulate appointment.

Study & Work Abroad

A UNL graduate heading to a master’s program in Milan might be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled funding letter, and a federally apostilled FBI report.Italy frequently requires certified translations—confirm whether the translation comes after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself gets notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Lincoln marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit, and, if applicable, an apostilled divorce decree.Municipalities often impose issuance windows (e.g., within 90 days), so time your vital record orders carefully.

Adoption

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

Dual Citizenship

For Italian or Irish citizenship by descent, you’ll likely need multiple generations of Nebraska vital records—each apostilled—plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then schedule apostilles in batches so issuance dates align and remain “fresh.”

Business Banking & Expansion

A fintech in Omaha 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 Nebraska, including but not limited to:

• Counties: Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Hall, Buffalo, Scotts Bluff, Lincoln, Madison, Platte, Dodge, Adams, Gage, Cass, Saunders, Dakota, Dawson, Washington, Seward, Keith.
• Cities/Towns: Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Hastings, North Platte, Norfolk, Columbus, Papillion, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Gering, Blair.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), Creighton University, Bellevue University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Doane University, Hastings College, Concordia University Nebraska, College of Saint Mary, Midland University, Peru State College, Chadron State College, Wayne State College.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague countries accept a Nebraska apostille; non-Hague countries require a Nebraska authentication plus consular legalization.The destination determines the route and affects 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 generally 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 Nebraska 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 process is separate from Nebraska’s. 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 Nebraska: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Nebraska.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals—never to plain copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incorrect certificate wording, missing printed notary name, absent commission details, or no stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t open them. If opened, you’ll likely 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 (Nebraska) 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 Nebraska apostilles?

The Nebraska Secretary of State — Notary Public Division / Authentications in Lincoln issues apostilles and authentications for Nebraska documents.

Can Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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. An Iowa- or Kansas-notarized affidavit must be apostilled in its state of notarization, not in Nebraska.

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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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.