North Carolina Divorce Decree Apostille
North Carolina apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State's Authentication Office for $10 per document, in about 10-15 business days; mailed documents take about five business days longer than hand-delivered ones. A certified copy from the Clerk of Superior Court needs no notarization. Send it with the state's cover letter to P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622, or hand-deliver it without an appointment at 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh. Last verified 2026-10-15 against https://www.sosnc.gov/ and https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentications/Apostille_Certificates
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | North Carolina court that granted the divorce |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | North Carolina Secretary of State 10-15 business days (as of 2026-10-02) + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of North Carolina divorce decree from the court that granted the divorce |
| Apostille Fee | $10 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: about 10-15 business days (as of 2026-10-02). Hand delivery: faster than mail (Raleigh) |
| 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 |
| Divorce Decree Cost | Varies by state (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Raleigh: 2 S. Salisbury St (mail & 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 $10 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an North Carolina apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy directly from the court that granted the divorce.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.
✅ North Carolina Apostille Advantages
North Carolina offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $10 per document.
- • Fast Processing: about 10-15 business days (as of 2026-10-02) by mail.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for court records.
Option 1: North Carolina Clerk of Court
The state court records office in Raleigh issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Clerk of Court
Any North Carolina clerk of court can issue certified copies of divorce decrees granted in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified North Carolina divorce decree issued by the court that granted the divorce.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal.
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified North Carolina Divorce Decree: An original or newly certified copy issued by the clerk of the court that granted the divorce.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "divorce decree" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $10 per document — check or money order payable to "North Carolina Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any divorce decree without an official seal and signature.
Need an North Carolina Divorce Decree 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 — Obtain a Certified North Carolina Divorce Decree
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the North Carolina Clerk of Court or your local clerk of court.
You can order certified copies directly from the court that granted the divorce. Certified-copy fees vary by state; check the issuing office's current fee schedule.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your divorce decree shows the official seal. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the North Carolina Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Divorce Decree to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified divorce decree, completed apostille request form, and $10 payment to the Secretary of State in Raleigh.
Mailing Address:
North Carolina Secretary of State
Authentication Office
Post Office Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
Walk-in Address:
2 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-2903
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostille
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within about 10-15 business days (as of 2026-10-02) for mail requests. Hand-delivered documents (no appointment needed) are generally processed faster than mailed ones.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $10 (state fee) |
| Certified North Carolina divorce decree (first copy) | Varies by state |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Divorce Decree Apostille
Do I need to notarize my North Carolina divorce decree before apostille?▼
Check the document requirements on the Secretary of State (Authentications) apostille page: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentications/Apostille_Certificates
How long does it take to get an apostille on an North Carolina divorce decree?▼
Processing takes about 10-15 business days (as of 2026-10-02 per the NC Secretary of State); mailed documents generally take five business days longer than hand-delivered ones. Hand-delivered documents (no appointment needed) are generally processed faster than mailed ones.
How much does an North Carolina divorce decree apostille cost?▼
The North Carolina Secretary of State charges $10 per document for apostille services. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "North Carolina Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in North Carolina?▼
You may hand-deliver documents without an appointment to the Authentication Office, 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh. Hand-delivered documents are generally processed faster than mailed ones.
Where do I mail my North Carolina divorce decree for apostille?▼
Mail to: North Carolina Secretary of State, Authentication Office, Post Office Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622. Include a cover letter and the $10 fee per document.
What countries accept an North Carolina divorce decree 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 North Carolina divorce decree 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 a certified copy vs. original divorce decree for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by the clerk of the court that granted the divorce, not your original divorce decree. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified North Carolina divorce decree for apostille?▼
Order from the North Carolina Clerk of Court online, by mail, or in person at their Raleigh office. You can also request from any North Carolina clerk of court. Certified-copy fees vary by state; check the issuing office's current fee schedule.in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log