How to Get an Apostille in Georgia

What You Need to Know About Getting an Apostille in Georgia

Getting an apostille in Georgia requires submitting your documents to the Georgia Secretary of State's office. This guide walks you through the entire process, whether you're doing it yourself or using a professional service like Burney Management Group.

Step 1: Determine If You Need an Apostille

First, confirm that your destination country accepts apostilles. Countries that are members of the Hague Convention accept apostilles.

Countries That Accept Apostilles Include:

• All European Union countries
• Mexico, Canada (partial), Central & South America
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• China, India, Russia (for certain documents)
• Over 120 countries total

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure your documents meet Georgia's requirements for apostille:

Document Requirements:

• Original or Certified Copy: Must be an original document or certified copy from the issuing agency
• Government-Issued Documents: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses (do NOT need notarization)
• Personal Documents: Powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts (MUST be notarized first)
• Educational Documents: Diplomas, transcripts (must be original or certified by the school)
• Corporate Documents: Articles of incorporation, bylaws (must be certified by state)

Step 3: Complete the Apostille Request Form

Georgia requires a cover letter or request form for each document. Include:

• Your full name and contact information
• Type of document being apostilled
• Country where the document will be used
• Number of copies needed (if applicable)
• Return shipping instructions

You can download the official form from the Georgia Secretary of State website or we can prepare it for you.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

You have three options for submitting your documents to the Georgia Secretary of State:

Option A: In-Person Submission (Fastest DIY Method)

• Go to: 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 313, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Processing: Same-day if submitted before 11:00 AM
• Parking: Limited street parking or paid garage nearby

Option B: Mail Submission

• Mail to: Georgia Secretary of State, Authentications Division, 2 MLK Jr. Drive SE, Suite 313, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Include: Documents, cover letter, $5 per document (check or money order), return envelope with postage
• Processing: 7-10 business days after receipt

Option C: Use a Professional Service (Recommended)

• Burney Management Group handles everything:
• We pick up your documents (mobile service available)
• We prepare all paperwork correctly
• We submit to Secretary of State
• Same-day, expedited (2-3 days), or standard (7-10 days) options
• We deliver apostilled documents back to you

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Georgia apostille fees are straightforward:

• State Fee: $5 per document
• Service Fees (if using Burney Management):
  • Same-Day Service: $350 (first doc) + $5 state fee
  • Expedited (2-3 days): $250 (first doc) + $5 state fee
  • Standard (7-10 days): $125 (first doc) + $5 state fee
  • Additional documents: Discounted rates

Payment Methods: Cash, credit cards, checks (for state), money orders

Step 6: Receive Your Apostilled Documents

Once processed, you'll receive your documents back with the apostille certificate attached.

What the Apostille Looks Like:

• Square certificate (usually 3.5" x 3.5")
• Printed on security paper
• Contains state seal and official signature
• Attached to your original document
• Written in English (Georgia) and French (Hague Convention language)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not getting documents notarized first - Personal documents must be notarized before apostille
• Using the wrong type of notary - Must be a Georgia notary or properly authenticated out-of-state notary
• Submitting copies instead of originals - Only original or certified copies are accepted
• Incorrect paperwork - Missing cover letters or incomplete information delays processing
• Wrong destination country - Verify the country accepts apostilles (Hague Convention member)
• Insufficient return postage - Include adequate postage for return shipping