New York Corporate Apostille
Complete 2026 guide to obtaining an apostille for New York corporate documents. Learn the specific requirements for Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, and notarized business documents like Bylaws or Power of Attorney.
Which Document Do You Have?
The process depends entirely on whether your document is issued by the State or if it is a notarized private document.
🏛️ State-Issued Documents
Issued directly by the NY Department of State. NO County Clerk step needed.
- • Articles of Incorporation
- • Certificate of Good Standing
- • Certificate of Existence
- • Dissolution Certificates
✍️ Notarized Documents
Private documents signed by company officers. REQUIRE County Clerk authentication.
- • Corporate Bylaws
- • Power of Attorney
- • Board Resolutions
- • Commercial Invoices
The County Clerk Requirement
⚠️ Critical Step for Notarized Documents
If your document is notarized (e.g., Bylaws), the notary's signature MUST be authenticated by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is qualified BEFORE you send it to the State.
For example, if your Power of Attorney was notarized in Manhattan (New York County), you must first take it to the New York County Clerk to verify the notary. Only then can you submit it to the NY Department of State for the apostille.
Step-by-Step Process
State-Issued: Order a certified copy from the NY Department of State
Division of Corporations.
Notarized: Have your document notarized by a NY notary, then
authenticate it with the County Clerk.
Download and fill out the Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form. Indicate the destination country.
Mail your document, the request form, and the $10 fee to the Albany address, or visit in person (Albany/NYC) for expedited service.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| State Apostille Fee | $10.00 | 4-6 Weeks (Mail) |
| County Clerk (if needed) | ~$3.00 - $10.00 | Varies (Usually Same Day) |
| Expedited Walk-In | Standard Fees | Same Day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping County Clerk: Sending a notarized document directly to Albany without County Clerk authentication. It will be rejected.
- Using Photocopies: Submitting a plain photocopy of Articles of Incorporation. You need a certified copy.
- Wrong County: Authenticating a notary in the wrong county. Check the notary's stamp to see where they are qualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need County Clerk authentication?
It depends. Documents issued directly by the NY Secretary of State (like Articles of Incorporation or Good Standing) do NOT need County Clerk authentication. However, notarized documents (like Bylaws or Power of Attorney) MUST be authenticated by the County Clerk where the notary is qualified before state submission.
Can I apostille a photocopy?
No. You must use a certified copy issued by the NY Department of State or the original notarized document. Plain photocopies are not accepted.
How fast can I get my corporate apostille?
Standard mail processing takes 4-6 weeks. Expedited same-day service is available for walk-ins at the Albany or NYC offices (additional fees apply).
Where do I order certified copies?
You can order certified copies of Articles of Incorporation or Certificates of Good Standing directly from the NY Department of State Division of Corporations.
"Corporate documents in NY are tricky because of the two paths. Always check if your document is state-issued or notarized. Mixing up the process is the #1 reason for rejection."