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

If you need to use a Nevada–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 Clark County (Las Vegas/Henderson), amarriage certificate recorded in Washoe County (Reno/Sparks), adivorce decree certified by a Nevada District Court,diplomas or transcripts from UNLV, UNR, or Nevada State University,or a notarized power of attorney used for a real-estate transaction abroad.The apostille confirms the signature and official capacity of the Nevada registrar, clerk, or notary who executed your document so it can be accepted overseas without extra embassy steps in Hague countries.

Nevada’s economy is global—from hospitality, entertainment, and conventions to logistics, mining, renewable energy, and a rising tech corridor in Reno–Tahoe and Las Vegas.Nevadans frequently need documents recognized across borders for visas, education, cross-border marriages, adoptions, corporate banking, and international deals.This guide gives you a complete roadmap: who issues apostilles in Nevada, which documents qualify, how to prepare each one, realistic timelines, common pitfalls, and exactly when an expedited in-person filing beats DIY mail-in.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Nevada documents are issued by the Nevada Secretary of State — Notary Division / Authentications (Carson City, with services available statewide).

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth, marriage, death), divorce decrees and other court orders, notarized items (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) must be 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 verifies the authenticity of the signature and the official capacity of the Nevada official or notary who signed your document.It does not validate or “approve” the content of your record—it confirms the legitimacy of the signer and seal.When both the issuing and receiving countries participate in the Hague Apostille Convention, a Nevada apostille makes your document self-authenticating abroad.

If your destination is not a Hague country, you’ll use a two-stage pathway: first a state authentication from Nevada, then consular legalization at the destination country’s embassy/consulate.The route depends on your destination; the exact preparation varies by document category (vital record, court order, notarized instrument, academic record, corporate evidence, etc.).

Who Issues Apostilles in Nevada?

The Nevada Secretary of State issues apostilles and authentications for documents originating in Nevada. Common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by the Nevada Office of Vital Records (DPBH) or county/city vital records offices; divorce decrees certified by the District Court Clerk.
• Court Records — Name changes, adoptions, guardianships, probate orders, and judgments certified by the appropriate court (District/Justice) with the clerk’s seal and certification.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, powers of attorney, parental travel consents, corporate resolutions, and other sworn statements with complete Nevada notarial certificates. (Nevada permits remote online notarization—RON—if performed by a duly commissioned NV RON notary.)
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, and enrollment letters from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Nevada State University, College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Great Basin College, and Western Nevada College. Registrar letters and sealed packets are commonly required.
• Business Records — Articles/Certificates of Incorporation or Organization, Certificates of Good Standing, certified copies from the Nevada Secretary of State; notarized corporate instruments prepared by officers or counsel as required by the receiving institution.

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 Nevada.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Nevadans most often need apostilles for the following situations:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — Popular destinations (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, etc.) frequently require apostilled birth/marriage records and a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Credentialing — Universities and boards abroad request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized experience letters.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries commonly ask for apostilled vital records plus an apostilled single-status affidavit.
• International Adoption — Dossiers usually include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, and Spanish consulates often require multigenerational vital records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign banks and registrars may request apostilled Articles, Good Standing, and board resolutions to open accounts or qualify entities to do business.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to transfer assets or claim inheritances abroad.
• Professional Licensing — Health, engineering, education, gaming/hospitality management, 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. Nevada won’t apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to prevent rejections and returns.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Certified Copy: Obtain a recent certified copy from Nevada Vital Records (DPBH) or your county/city office. Photocopies/scans are not 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 District Court 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 Nevada 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 Nevada-approved RON with a commissioned remote online notary).
• Destination Wording: If a foreign authority requires specific notary language, bring it to the appointment to avoid rewrites.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Universities and colleges typically 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 signatures/titles appear.

Business Records (Articles, Good Standing, Resolutions)

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

Step-by-Step Process (Nevada & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Nevada) or federal? Nevada documents go to the Nevada 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 = Nevada 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, Nevada apostilles move fast.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

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

Nevada marriage certificates—especially from Clark and Washoe Counties—are frequently 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 District Court 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

Apostilled death certificates support estates, property transfers, and insurance claims abroad. If probate orders or letters testamentary/administration are involved, those may require separate apostilles.Ask the foreign registry or notary whether they need only the death certificate or a complete probate packet.

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as UNLV, UNR, Nevada State University, College of Southern Nevada, TMCC, Great Basin College, and Western Nevada Collegetypically provide a registrar letter certifying the diploma/transcript. The packet is often sealed—do not open sealed envelopes.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Your notary block must be complete and Nevada-compliant. If your destination requires specific wording, bring that text to the notary.Common examples: real-estate 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 Nevada.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil) require this federal apostille alongside Nevada apostilles on vital records.

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

Nevada Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Henderson 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 an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination statement (then apostilled). Align document issuance dates with your consular appointment.

Study & Work Abroad

A UNR graduate heading to a master’s in Milan could be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled funding letter, and a federally apostilled FBI report.Italy often requires certified translations—confirm whether translations follow the apostille or require a translator affidavit that itself gets notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

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

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 require multiple generations of Nevada 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 Las Vegas startup 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 Nevada, including but not limited to:

• Counties: Clark, Washoe, Carson City (independent city/county), Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Churchill, Elko, Nye, Humboldt, White Pine, Lander, Pershing, Mineral, Lincoln, Esmeralda, Eureka.
• Cities/Towns: Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Elko, Mesquite, Boulder City, Fernley, Fallon, Winnemucca, Ely, West Wendover, Pahrump (CDP), Minden, Gardnerville, Tonopah.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); University of Nevada, Reno (UNR); Nevada State University; College of Southern Nevada (CSN); Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC); Great Basin College; Western Nevada College; Touro University Nevada; Roseman University; Sierra Nevada University (integrated with UNR programs).

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague countries accept a Nevada apostille; non-Hague countries require a Nevada 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 book consular appointments 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 Nevada 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 Nevada’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 Nevada: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Nevada.
• 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 (Nevada) 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 Nevada apostilles?

The Nevada Secretary of State — Notary Division / Authentications issues apostilles and authentications for Nevada documents.

Can Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 California- or Arizona-notarized affidavit must be apostilled in its state of notarization, not in Nevada.

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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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.