Louisiana Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Louisiana apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State, Commissions Division, for $20 per document. Your affidavit must be notarized by a Louisiana notary, with the notary's printed name and ID number beneath the signature. Mail it to P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125, or walk in at 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; allow 2-3 business days for processing. Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.sos.la.gov/certifications/apostilles-authentications and https://www.sos.la.gov/media/vdag5if3/authentication-request-form.pdf
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Louisiana Notary Public |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Louisiana Secretary of State 2-3 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Louisiana single status affidavit (requires notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $20 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 2-3 business days. Walk-in: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (Baton Rouge) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 129 Hague Convention countries, incl. the US (HCCH status table, checked 2026-10-12) |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Single Status Affidavit Cost | Varies by state (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Baton Rouge: P.O. Box 94125 (mail); 8585 Archives Ave. (walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $20 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Louisiana apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Louisiana SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Louisiana to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates and Egypt require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Louisiana Apostille Advantages
Louisiana offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $20 per document.
- • Fast Processing: 2-3 business days by mail.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for legal documents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Notarized Affidavit: Signed before a Louisiana notary, with the notary's printed name and notary ID number beneath their signature.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "single status affidavit" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $20 per document — check or money order payable to "Louisiana Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any single status affidavit without an official seal and signature.
Need an Louisiana Single Status Affidavit Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Complete the Louisiana Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Louisiana Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 2 — Submit Your Single Status Affidavit to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your notarized single status affidavit, completed apostille request form, and $20 payment to the Secretary of State in Baton Rouge.
Mailing Address:
Louisiana Secretary of State
Commissions Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Walk-in Address:
8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Step 3 — Receive Your Apostille
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 2-3 business days for mail requests. Walk-in service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, at 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $20 (state fee) |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Louisiana single status affidavit before apostille?▼
Yes. A single status affidavit is a sworn statement, so it must be notarized by a Louisiana notary, with the notary's printed name and notary ID number beneath their signature.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Louisiana single status affidavit?▼
Mail requests typically take 2-3 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, at 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge.
How much does an Louisiana single status affidavit apostille cost?▼
The Louisiana Secretary of State charges $20 per document for apostille services. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Louisiana Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Louisiana?▼
Walk-in service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, at 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge.
Where do I mail my Louisiana single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Mail to: Louisiana Secretary of State, Commissions Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125. Include the completed request form and $20 fee per document.
What countries accept an Louisiana single status affidavit apostille?▼
The Apostille Convention is in force in 129 countries, including the United States (HCCH status table, checked 2026-10-12). This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Louisiana single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log