Apostille in the United States

When handling international legal matters — such as applying for Lithuanian citizenship, registering a company abroad, or proving civil status — you will often be asked to provide documents issued in your home country. But before foreign authorities can accept them, those documents usually need to be authenticated. This is where the Apostille comes in.

What Is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, court ruling, or notarial document. Importantly, an Apostille does not certify the content of the document itself — it only confirms the signature, seal, or stamp of the official or institution that issued the document.

It was introduced by the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 to simplify the legalization of documents between member countries. Once a document has been apostilled, it is legally recognized in all countries that are parties to the Convention, without any additional legalization.

When Is an Apostille Used?

You may need an Apostille in cases such as:

• Applying for dual citizenship (e.g., proving Lithuanian ancestry).

• Registering a foreign marriage or birth in Lithuania.

• Submitting educational diplomas abroad.

• Opening a company or signing contracts internationally.

• Proving inheritance rights across countries.

In short, if your official documents will be presented abroad, you will likely need an Apostille.

Apostille in the United States: State vs. Federal Documents

In the U.S., the authority that issues Apostilles depends on the type of document:

1. State-Issued Documents

Documents such as:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Notarial acts

• Corporate documents

These are authenticated by the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was issued.
For example, a birth certificate from Illinois must receive an Apostille from the Illinois Secretary of State.

2. Federal Documents

Documents issued by U.S. federal agencies — such as:

• Certificates of Naturalization

• FBI background checks

• Immigration documents

• Certain federal court judgments

These must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.

How to Get an Apostille in the U.S.?

The process generally involves:

1. Obtaining a certified copy of your document (e.g., from the local registrar or notary).

2. Submitting the document to the relevant authority (Secretary of State for state-level, or U.S. Department of State for federal documents).

3. Paying the applicable fee.

4. Waiting for processing (can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the office).

Some states also allow applications by mail, which is useful for international applicants.

Why Apostille Matters in Lithuanian Citizenship Cases

For those seeking to reinstate/restore Lithuanian citizenship, Apostilles are often required to authenticate:

• Birth and marriage certificates proving descent from Lithuanian ancestors.

• Naturalization records showing that your ancestor left Lithuania before 1990.

• Court or migration documents used as supporting evidence.

Without an Apostille, foreign documents may be rejected by Lithuanian authorities.

The Apostille may seem like a small piece of paper, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that your documents are legally recognized abroad. Whether you are applying for Lithuanian citizenship, a residence permit, or registering a business, understanding when and where to obtain an Apostille will save you time and frustration.

If you are unsure which documents need an Apostille or where to apply, consulting with a legal expert can ensure your application process is smooth and successful. Contact us now!