All You Need to Know about Michigan Apostille
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document issued by a government authority. It allows that document to be recognized and used legally in foreign countries that are signatories of the Hague Convention of 1961. If you need to use public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic diplomas, outside the United States, you may need to obtain an apostille. In Michigan, the Secretary of State's office issues apostilles for public documents issued by state officials or agencies. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about Michigan apostille, including requirements, fees, and processing times.
Michigan Apostille Requirements
To obtain an apostille for a public document issued in Michigan, the document must meet the following requirements:
1) The document must be an original or certified copy issued by a Michigan state official or agency.
2) The document must have an official signature, seal, or stamp of the issuing authority.
3) The document must be less than three months old. If the document is older than three months, it must be reissued before obtaining an apostille.
4) The document must not be a vital record, such as a Michigan birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage license. Apostilles for vital records are issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan Apostille Fees
The fee for obtaining an apostille in Michigan is $1 per document. You can pay by check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan. If you need expedited service, you can also pay an additional $10 fee for same-day processing or $5 for next-day processing. You can also pay online using a credit card through the Michigan Secretary of State's website.
Michigan Apostille Processing Times
The standard processing time for obtaining an apostille in Michigan is 7-10 business days. If you need your document urgently, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Same-day processing is available for documents submitted in person at the Michigan Secretary of State's office in Lansing, Michigan. Next-day processing is available for documents submitted in person at any of the Secretary of State's branch offices.
Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing is a document that confirms the current status of a business entity registered in Michigan. It verifies that the business entity has complied with all state requirements, such as filing annual reports and paying taxes. If you need to conduct business outside the United States, you may need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing with an apostille. To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan, you can submit a request online through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Once you receive the Certificate of Good Standing, you can then submit it for apostille to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.
Obtaining an apostille for your public documents in Michigan can be a straightforward process if you follow the requirements and procedures outlined by the state. Remember to verify the authenticity of your document before submitting it for apostille, double-check the requirements and fees, and plan in advance for processing times. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact the Michigan Secretary of State's office for assistance.