Notary Services
General Notary Work
Affidavits, consent letters, powers of attorney and everyday forms notarized in Brooklyn by a New York notary public.
Notary Services
Apostille or Authentication
We explain the New York apostille and authentication steps, notarize where needed and help you prepare your documents for use abroad.
About this service
If you need to use a U.S. document in another country, the receiving authority may ask for an apostille or a certificate of authentication. An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries outside the Convention usually require a certificate of authentication, followed by legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate. These certificates are issued by government authorities, not by Kay’s Notary Travel.
For a document notarized in New York, the usual path is notarization, then certification of the notary’s signature by the County Clerk in the county where the notary is qualified, and then an apostille or authentication from the New York Department of State. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are handled by the U.S. Department of State instead. Some public records, including birth, marriage and death certificates, need a certified copy from the issuing agency first, and some need additional certification before they can move forward.
We help you understand the steps for your document, notarize signatures where appropriate, and help you prepare and route your documents. Processing times and fees are set by the government agencies involved and can vary. We cannot give legal advice or tell you what a foreign authority will accept, so please confirm the requirements with the receiving party or an attorney.
What we can help with
- Guidance on apostille versus authentication
- Notarization of signatures where appropriate
- County Clerk and Department of State steps explained
- Help preparing and routing your documents
- Hague and non-Hague countries
How it works
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Step 1: Check the requirements
Ask the receiving country or organization what they need, and share those instructions with us.
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Step 2: Review your document
We go over your document and explain the steps, such as getting a certified copy or a notarization first.
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Step 3: Notarize if appropriate
If your document needs a notarized signature, we take care of that at our Brooklyn office.
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Step 4: Certification steps
We help you prepare and route your documents for County Clerk certification and the apostille or authentication.
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Step 5: Legalization if required
For countries outside the Hague Convention, the authenticated document may also need embassy or consulate legalization.
What to bring
- Your original document, or a certified copy from the issuing agency
- A current, valid government-issued photo ID
- The name of the country where the document will be used
- Any written instructions from the receiving authority
Frequently asked questions
Does Kay’s Notary Travel issue apostilles?
No. Apostilles and certificates of authentication are issued by government authorities, such as the New York Department of State or the U.S. Department of State. We help you understand the steps, notarize where appropriate and help you prepare and route your documents.
What is the difference between an apostille and an authentication?
An apostille is used for countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries outside the Convention generally require a certificate of authentication, followed by legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate.
How long does the process take?
Processing times are set by the County Clerk, the Department of State and any embassy or consulate involved, and they can vary. We can’t guarantee timing, so please start as early as you can.
Can I get an apostille for my birth certificate?
Usually you first need a certified copy issued by the agency that holds the record, and some records need additional certification before an apostille or authentication can be issued. Contact us and we’ll help you understand the steps.
What about FBI background checks?
Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State rather than New York State. We can help you understand the steps involved.
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Have your document notarized from home over a live video call with a New York electronic notary. No trip to the office needed.
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Mobile Notary Services
We bring the notary to you at home, at work, or in a hospital or care facility in Brooklyn and nearby areas of New York City.
Not sure which service you need?
Call us or send a quick request. We’ll point you in the right direction and get you booked.