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

If you need to use a Wyoming–issued document overseas, there’s a strong chance the receiving authority will require anapostille (for Hague Convention countries) or, if your destination isn’t a Hague member, a state authentication followed by consular legalization.You’ll encounter this with everyday paperwork: a birth certificate from the Wyoming Department of Health’sVital Statistics Services in Cheyenne; a marriage certificate recorded by a County Clerk (for example, Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, or Sweetwater);a divorce decree certified by a District Court Clerk;diplomas and transcripts from the University of Wyoming or community colleges across the state;or a notarized power of attorney for a property closing in Spain or a family matter in Mexico.The apostille is a one-page certificate attached to your document to verify the signature and official capacity of the Wyoming official or notary who signed it,allowing acceptance abroad without extra embassy steps when your destination participates in the Hague Convention.

Wyoming’s economy is outward-facing: energy and natural resources (oil, gas, wind) in the Powder River Basin and Red Desert;tourism centered around Yellowstone and Grand Teton; ranching and agriculture on the High Plains; and education and research in Laramie and beyond.Families, students, engineers, outfitters, and companies often need documents that “travel well.”This comprehensive guide explains who issues apostilles in Wyoming, which documents qualify, how to prepare each category correctly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid,and when an expedited in-person filing is smarter than a DIY mail-in submission.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Wyoming documents are issued by the Wyoming Secretary of State — Notary & Apostille Unit in Cheyenne.

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth/death/marriage from the Wyoming Department of Health — Vital Statistics Services and/or County Clerks);divorce decrees and other court orders certified by a District Court Clerk;notarized documents (POAs, affidavits, consents) notarized by a Wyoming notary; academic records (diplomas/transcripts with registrar certification or sealed packets);and business records (Certificates of Good Standing/Existence and certified filings from the Wyoming Secretary of State — Business Division).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 commonly takes 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness, in-person filing can yield same-day or 24-hour results.

Price: $145 per document, 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 under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It does not validate the contents of your document.Instead, it verifies the authenticity of the signature/seal and the official capacity of the signer—state registrar, court clerk, university registrar, SOS officer, or notary public.When both the issuing jurisdiction (Wyoming/USA) and the destination country participate in the Hague Convention, the apostille makes your document self-authenticating abroad—no embassy visit required.

For non-Hague destinations, your document follows a two-step path: (1) a Wyoming authentication (similar to an apostille but used for non-Hague countries) and (2) consular legalization by the destination country’s embassy/consulate in the U.S.The route depends on the destination and sometimes the specific ministry, registry, or university receiving your file. If you’re unsure, ask the recipient or consult their written checklist.

Who Issues Apostilles in Wyoming?

The Wyoming Secretary of State — Notary & Apostille Unit issues apostilles and authentications for documents originating in Wyoming. Common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified birth, death, and marriage certificates issued by theWyoming Department of Health — Vital Statistics Services (state registrar) and, for marriages, often by the County Clerk that recorded the license (e.g., Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, Sweetwater, Albany).Divorce decrees are certified by the District Court Clerk in the county where the judgment was entered.
• Court Records — Name-change orders, adoptions/guardianships, probate orders, criminal dispositions, and judgments certified by the appropriate District Court Clerk with seal and certification page.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, POAs, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, employment verifications, corporate resolutions, and other statements notarized by a Wyoming notary public.Wyoming allows electronic notarization and has provisions for remote online notarization (RON); confirm acceptance with your destination before using RON.
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment/degree verifications, and registrar letters from the University of Wyoming and Wyoming’s community colleges (Casper College, LCCC, WWCC, Sheridan College, Gillette College, CWC, NW College, EWC).Registrar certification or sealed packets are typical for state apostille.
• Business Records — Articles/Certificates of Incorporation or Organization, Certificates of Good Standing/Existence, and certified copies from theWyoming Secretary of State — Business Division; plus notarized corporate instruments (board resolutions, incumbency certificates, POAs) executed by officers or counsel per recipient requirements.For international banking and registries, obtain the state-certified corporate record first, then ask for the apostille over the SOS officer’s signature.

Federal documents—FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/NOAA export certificates, Social Security letters—must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.), not by Wyoming.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Wyomingites most commonly need apostilles for:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — Many European and Latin American destinations (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile) require apostilled vital records and a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Professional Credentialing — Universities and licensing boards abroad often request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized/apostilled employment or licensure confirmations.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries commonly require apostilled birth/marriage records plus a notarized/apostilled single-status affidavit (“no impediment”).
• International Adoption — Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and apostilled vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish programs frequently require multi-generational Wyoming records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign registries and banks may require apostilled Certificates of Good Standing/Existence, certified filings, and board resolutions to open accounts or qualify entities abroad.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to administer estates or transfer property outside the U.S.
• Energy/Mining/Logistics — Cross-border contracts, distributor appointments, and compliance packets can require apostilled corporate authorizations, POAs, and attestations.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail & queue 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; course-correction is slow	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We handle review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Consular legalizations & translation order on you	We manage 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. Wyoming will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to avoid returns and re-queues.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Birth & Death: Obtain certified copies from the Wyoming Department of Health — Vital Statistics Services in Cheyenne or from approved local issuing outlets. Photocopies/scans are not acceptable.
• Marriage: Request a certified marriage certificate from Vital Statistics or the County Clerk that recorded the marriage (e.g., Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, Sweetwater, Albany, Sheridan). Ensure the certification page and seal are present.
• Divorce: For overseas use, order a certified divorce decree/judgment from the District Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. (Some destinations reject the abstract and require the full decree.)
• Freshness Window: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, request fresh copies shortly before filing.
• Do Not Alter: Keep staples intact; do not laminate or highlight; avoid tabs/sticky notes that can damage seals.

Court Orders (Name Change, Adoption, Probate, Guardianship)

• Certified by Clerk: Your order must bear the court’s seal and a certification by the District Court Clerk.
• Complete Packet: Include every page referenced in the certification. Removing staples can invalidate the certification.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

• Wyoming Notary Required: The notarial act must be performed by a duly commissioned Wyoming notary public. Wyoming permits electronic notarization and RON; verify that your destination accepts it.
• Complete Certificate: Use a Wyoming acknowledgment or jurat with venue (State/County), date, printed notary name, signature, commission number/expiration, and stamp/embossing as applicable.
• Destination Wording: If the foreign authority requires specific notary language, bring it to the notary to avoid re-notarization.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Ask your school to issue a registrar letter attesting to the authenticity of the attached diploma/transcript, or to prepare a sealed packet addressed to the Wyoming Secretary of State.
• Sealed Envelopes: Do not open sealed registrar packets. The state must break the seal; opened packets are typically rejected.
• Name Variations: If your name changed (marriage/adoption), gather connecting records (apostille those as needed).

Business Records (Articles, Good Standing/Existence, Resolutions)

• State-Certified Copies: If a foreign bank/registry requests state certification, order certified copies or a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence from theWyoming Secretary of State — Business Division.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: Resolutions, incumbency certificates, officer statements, and POAs should be notarized correctly in Wyoming if requested by the recipient.
• Entity Consistency: Ensure your entity name and filing ID appear consistently across documents and translations to avoid rework at foreign registries.

Step-by-Step Process (Wyoming & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Wyoming) or federal? Wyoming documents go to the Secretary of State; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Gather certified vital/court copies, complete notary certificates, registrar letters, sealed packets, or SOS-certified corporate copies per category.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = Wyoming authentication + consular legalization. Confirm the destination’s rules and any freshness window.
4. Submit: File in person in Cheyenne (fastest) or by mail if timing allows. Include correct fees and a clear return/shipping instruction sheet.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue (wrong copy, incomplete notary block), respond immediately to avoid returns and new queues.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship domestically or internationally per your preference.

“In Wyoming, speed comes from readiness: the right copy, the right certification, the right route. When those align, apostilles move quickly.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified Wyoming birth certificate is frequently required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a certified copy from the Wyoming Department of Health — Vital Statistics Services.Hague destinations accept a one-page apostille; non-Hague destinations require a Wyoming authentication followed by consular legalization.If your recipient scrutinizes registrar signatures, request a copy bearing a current registrar signature on file with the Secretary of State.

Common uses: Long-stay visas (Spain/Portugal/Italy), citizenship by descent (Italy/Ireland/Poland/Portugal), civil marriages abroad, university admissions, professional licensing.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

Wyoming marriage certificates are available from Vital Statistics Services and from county Clerks (e.g., Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, Sweetwater, Sheridan).Request a certified copy with the correct certification page and seal. Many destinations also require a single-status affidavit (notarized and apostilled).If there was a prior marriage, an apostilled divorce decree is commonly required to prove capacity to marry.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy from the District Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted (e.g., Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, Sweetwater, Albany, Sheridan, Park, Fremont).Ask whether your recipient needs the complete decree or will accept an abstract/short form. For remarriage abroad, expect to present both the apostilled divorce decree and—after the new ceremony is recorded—an apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Apostilled death certificates are used for estates, life insurance, and property transfers abroad.If letters testamentary/administration or probate orders are required, those items typically need their own apostilles.Confirm whether the foreign registry needs only the death certificate or a full probate packet (will + order + letters).

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as the University of Wyoming (Laramie), Casper College, Laramie County Community College (LCCC),Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC), Sheridan College, Gillette College, Central Wyoming College (CWC),Northwest College (Powell), and Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) typically provide a registrar letter or a sealed packet addressed to the Secretary of State.Do not open sealed envelopes; opened packets are generally rejected and must be reissued. For professional licensing abroad (nursing, engineering, teaching), confirm whether notarized experience letters or syllabi also need apostilles.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Ensure your notary block is Wyoming-compliant and complete. If your foreign authority dictates specific wording, bring that text to the notary.Common items: real-estate POAs (Spain/Portugal/Mexico), parental travel consents, translator affidavits, company authorization letters, employment confirmations, experience attestations, IP assignments, distributor declarations.If using RON, verify that your destination accepts remote online notarization from Wyoming.

Corporate Documents

For foreign banking or corporate setup, expect requests for Articles/Certificate of Incorporation or Organization, a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence from the Secretary of State, and a board resolution granting signatory authority.Some banks insist on state-certified copies; others accept properly notarized officer statements (then apostilled). Always obtain the recipient’s exact checklist to avoid rework.If your entity recently changed its name or merged, consider apostilling the amendment or merger certificate as well to satisfy chain-of-title requirements.

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 the Wyoming Secretary of State.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil, South Korea) require this federal apostille alongside Wyoming apostilles for vital records.

Guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

Wyoming Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Cheyenne relocating to Lisbon may need apostilled birth certificates for the children (state-registrar copies), an apostilled Laramie County marriage certificate,and federally apostilled FBI reports for both parents. Schools abroad may also request an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination affidavit (then apostilled).Watch the 60–90 day issuance windows that civil registries often enforce.

Study & Work Abroad

A University of Wyoming graduate heading to Milan or Madrid could be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled scholarship letter, and a federally apostilled FBI check.Italy and Spain frequently require certified translations — confirm whether to translate after apostille or to use a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Jackson marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit (notarized in Wyoming), and an apostilled divorce decree if applicable.Civil registries abroad often enforce 90-day issuance windows; plan your record orders accordingly.

Adoption

Adoption dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical and financial statements, employment letters, home studies, and apostilled vital records.For non-Hague countries, expect the two-step Wyoming authentication + consulate legalization route; sequencing and courier planning matter.

Dual Citizenship

Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish citizenship by descent usually requires multiple generations of Wyoming records — each apostilled — plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then apostille in coordinated batches so issuance dates align and remain “fresh.”

Energy, Mining & Logistics

Suppliers and operators working cross-border may need apostilled corporate resolutions, POAs for attorneys-in-fact, and signed technical declarations for tenders or concessions.Foreign banks can require apostilled Certificates of Good Standing/Existence and officer identification affidavits before releasing funds.

Counties, Cities & Campuses Served

We serve all of Wyoming, including but not limited to:

• Counties (examples): Laramie, Natrona, Teton, Campbell, Sweetwater, Albany, Sheridan, Park, Fremont, Carbon, Uinta, Lincoln, Converse, Goshen, Platte, Johnson, Crook, Weston, Big Horn, Washakie, Hot Springs, Sublette, Niobrara.
• Cities/Towns: Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Green River, Evanston, Riverton, Cody, Jackson, Rawlins, Lander, Douglas, Torrington, Powell, Worland, Buffalo, Newcastle, Thermopolis, Wheatland, Kemmerer, Pinedale, Afton, Sundance, Saratoga, Saratoga/Encampment area, Dubois, Glenrock, Bar Nunn, Mills, Evansville, Ranchettes, Hoback.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of Wyoming (Laramie), Casper College, Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne/Laramie), Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs),Sheridan College, Gillette College, Central Wyoming College (Riverton/Lander/Jackon Center), Northwest College (Powell), Eastern Wyoming College (Torrington), Wyoming Catholic College (Lander).

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague member countries accept an apostille; non-Hague countries require a Wyoming authentication plus consular legalization.The route influences translation sequencing and appointment lead times at consulates.

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

We handle both pathways 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: Budget 4–6+ weeks, including mailing time, agency queues, and potential returns for corrections. If you have fixed travel dates, closings, start dates, or interviews, mail-in can be risky unless you begin early.

In-Person Filing: With complete readiness, many Wyoming apostilles finish in 24 hours or less.Pre-checking certification types, seals, registrar letters, and notary language is the best defense against delays.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State apostille process is separate from Wyoming’s. Run 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 Cheyenne: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA/NOAA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State—not by the Wyoming Secretary of State.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals—never to plain copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate wording, no printed notary name, absent commission details, or missing stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t open them. If opened, obtain a new sealed packet from the school.
• Old vital records: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong translation order: Clarify whether translations come after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.
• Name/entity mismatches: For corporate filings, ensure the entity name and numbers match exactly across certificates, resolutions, and translations.
• SOS vs. Court vs. Vital Statistics confusion: Know which office issues which certification so the Secretary of State can recognize the signature and seal.
• Late starts: Embassy appointment backlogs and translation queues can add weeks. Start early or use expedited help.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (Wyoming) or federal?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court/SOS) 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/officer statements?
• Is your destination Hague (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication + consular legalization)?
• Does the recipient require a freshness window (often 60–90 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 Wyoming apostilles?

The Wyoming Secretary of State — Notary & Apostille Unit (Cheyenne) issues apostilles and authentications for Wyoming documents.

Do I need a county pre-certification step?

Generally no. Wyoming authenticates state officials, county/court clerks, school registrars, SOS officers, and notaries directly. The key is obtaining the correct certified copy or a proper notarization.

Can Wyoming 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 Wyoming apostilles be completed?

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

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille doesn’t expire, but many consulates, schools, and banks require recent issuance of both the record and the apostille (commonly within 60–90 days).

Is shipping required?

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

Can you handle non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage the Wyoming 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 Colorado- or Montana-notarized affidavit must be apostilled in that state, not in Wyoming.

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 remove staples or add tabs?

No. Do not alter official packets. Removing staples, adding tabs, or highlighting can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in Wyoming 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
• FBI Background Check Apostille (Federal)
• Power of Attorney & Notarized Documents Apostille

Disclaimer: Requirements and timelines reflect common practices of the Wyoming Secretary of State, Wyoming courts and agencies (including Vital Statistics Services), and the U.S. Department of State, but may change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.