Obtain Your School Document

Request an official academic transcript, diploma, or school record from the Alabama educational institution. Contact the school's registrar or records office to determine its document certification procedures.

School Verification

The school should verify the academic record through an authorized school official. For transcripts, request an official record. For diplomas, ask whether the school can prepare an authenticated copy or issue a replacement diploma.

Alabama Notarization Required

The Alabama Secretary of State requires school documents to be notarized by a currently commissioned Alabama notary public before an apostille can be issued.

A school official's signature and school seal alone are not sufficient.

Coordinate With the School Registrar

Ask whether the registrar can arrange notarization of the document or an accompanying certification statement. Some Alabama universities offer dedicated procedures for preparing transcripts and diplomas for apostille.

Check the Notarial Certificate

The notarization must be properly completed and include the Alabama notary's original signature and official embossed or ink-stamped seal.

Foreign-Language Documents

Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a notarized English translation for Alabama authentication. Confirm whether the destination country also requires a separate translation of the apostilled document.

Confirm the Destination Country

An apostille applies to countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents intended for non-Hague countries may require additional certification and legalization.

Important Information

Do not assume that an ordinary photocopy, electronic transcript, or unnotarized diploma will qualify. Contact National Apostille Center before preparing your school documents so we can help identify the appropriate certification procedure.