Michigan Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Michigan apostilles are issued by the Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal, for $1 per document (check or money order). Have the affidavit notarized by a Michigan notary, then mail it with the request form to 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918, or book an in-person appointment (Mondays or Wednesdays). Turn-around is 1-2 weeks (office web page, checked 2026-10-12). Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/document-authentication-and-apostille
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Michigan Notary Public |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Michigan Department of State 1-2 weeks + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Michigan single status affidavit (requires notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $1 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 1-2 weeks. In person: by appointment (Lansing) |
| 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 | Lansing: 430 W. Allegan St (in person by appointment); mail: 7064 Crowner Drive |
| 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 $1 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Michigan apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Michigan 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 Michigan 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.
✅ Michigan Apostille Advantages
Michigan offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $1 per document.
- • Fast Processing: 1-2 weeks by mail.
- • By Appointment Only: In-person service requires an appointment (Mondays or Wednesdays).
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for Michigan-notarized documents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Notarized Affidavit: Signed before a Michigan notary public, who adds their full name, signature, date, commission expiration date and county of commission.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "single status affidavit" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $1 per document — check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any single status affidavit without an official seal and signature.
Need an Michigan 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 Michigan Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Michigan 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 $1 payment to the Secretary of State in Lansing.
Mailing Address:
Michigan Department of State
Office of the Great Seal
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
In-person address (by appointment):
430 W. Allegan St (Richard H. Austin Building, 1st Floor)
Lansing, MI
Step 3 — Receive Your Apostille
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 1-2 weeks for mail requests. In-person service is by appointment only (Mondays or Wednesdays).
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $1 (state fee) |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Michigan single status affidavit before apostille?▼
Yes. Sign the affidavit before a Michigan notary public; the Office of the Great Seal authenticates Michigan notarized documents. The notary must include their full name, signature, date, commission expiration date and county of commission.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Michigan single status affidavit?▼
Mail requests typically take 1-2 weeks plus mailing time. In-person service is by appointment only (Mondays or Wednesdays).
How much does an Michigan single status affidavit apostille cost?▼
The Michigan Secretary of State charges $1 per document for apostille services. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Michigan?▼
No. The Office of the Great Seal (Richard H. Austin Building, 1st Floor, 430 W. Allegan Street, Lansing) serves in-person requests by appointment only, Mondays or Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where do I mail my Michigan single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Mail to: Michigan Department of State, Office of the Great Seal, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918. Include the completed apostille request form, your notarized single status affidavit, and $1 fee per document.
What countries accept an Michigan 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 Michigan 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.
Do I need the original single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Submit the original affidavit with original signatures, notarized by a Michigan notary public. The Office of the Great Seal authenticates complete Michigan-notarized documents; a single status affidavit is not a vital record.
How do I get a Michigan single status affidavit ready for apostille?▼
It is not ordered from Vital Records: sign the affidavit before a Michigan notary public, who must include their full name, signature, date of notarization, commission expiration date and county of commission.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log