Apostille Frequently Asked Questions
- What are apostilles and why are they needed?
- Who can issue apostilles and authentications?
- When did DFI begin issuing apostilles?
- How long will it take DFI to issue an apostille?
- Why is DFI taking on this duty of issuing apostilles?
- How can I find out more about apostilles?
What are apostilles and why are they needed?
Businesses and individuals at times need to authenticate the origin of a public document in a country other than the one in which
the document was issued. Some examples of such public documents are: birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage licenses,
corporate documents, school transcript records and trademarks. One way to accomplish this is to obtain
an apostille, a certificate that is recognized and required by countries that
are parties to a treaty called the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. It is commonly called the
Hague Convention.
Who can issue apostilles and authentications?
Certain federal and state officials have the authority to issue apostilles and authentications.
At the state level, a state agency that is given this authority must be recognized by The Hague as a
Competent Authority. DFI is recognized by The Hague as a Competent Authority Authority to issue
Apostille certificates to countries that are approved members of the Hague Convention.
Authentications are issued for countries that are not members of the Hague. Authentications for
Wisconsin must be done by the Office of the Secretary of State, State of Wisconsin.
When did DFI begin issuing apostilles?
January 4, 2016
How long will it take DFI to issue an apostille?
Regular service will take up to 7 business days. Expedited service will be 2 business days or less.
Why is DFI taking on this duty of issuing apostilles?
DFI already has an established business relationship with hundreds of thousands of stakeholders, many of whom could have a
need for apostilles. For example, DFI is the filing office for more than 400,000 business entities, 130,000
securities professionals, 82,000 notaries public, and 25,000 trademarks and tradenames. Giving these stakeholders the option of
obtaining an apostille from a state agency with whom they already do business is efficient, effective government.
How can I find out more about apostilles?
Here is a link to “The ABCs of Apostilles” published by the Hague.