Tennessee Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Tennessee apostilles are issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State for $2 per document. After notarizing your affidavit, have the County Clerk of the county where the notary was commissioned certify the notary's signature. Then send it with form SS-4504 by mail to 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, or walk in at the 3rd-floor customer service desk by 2:00 p.m. for same-day service. Last verified 2026-10-15 against https://sos.tn.gov/businesses/guides/apostille-authentication-guide and https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/division/Businesses/document/SS-4504.pdf
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Tennessee Notary Public |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Tennessee Secretary of State: same day in person (arrive by 2:00 p.m. CT); mail time not published |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Tennessee single status affidavit (requires notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $2 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: The Tennessee Secretary of State does not publish a mail processing time. Walk-in: Same day (Nashville) |
| 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 | Nashville: 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave (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 $2 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Tennessee apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.
✅ Tennessee Apostille Advantages
Tennessee offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $2 per document.
- • Fast Processing: same day in person (arrive by 2:00 p.m. CT); mail time not published.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • County Clerk Step: Notarized documents need the notary’s signature certified by the County Clerk of the county where the notary was commissioned.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Notarized Affidavit: Signed before a Tennessee notary public, with the notary's signature certified by the County Clerk of the county where the notary was commissioned.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "single status affidavit" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $2 per document — check or money order payable to "Tennessee Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any single status affidavit without an official seal and signature.
Need an Tennessee 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 Tennessee Apostille Request Form
First sign the affidavit before a Tennessee notary public, and have the County Clerk of the county where the notary was commissioned certify the notary's signature. Then download or obtain the apostille request form from the Tennessee 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, with the County Clerk's certification, completed apostille request form, and $2 payment to the Secretary of State in Nashville.
Mailing Address:
Office of Authentications, Tennessee Secretary of State
Business Services Division, ATTN: ATS Section
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Walk-in Address:
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 3rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Step 3 — Receive Your Apostille
The Tennessee Secretary of State does not publish a mail processing time. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $2 (state fee) |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Tennessee single status affidavit before apostille?▼
Yes. A single status affidavit is a sworn statement that must be signed before a Tennessee notary public, and the notary’s signature must then be certified by the County Clerk of the county where the notary was commissioned.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Tennessee single status affidavit?▼
The Tennessee Secretary of State does not publish a mail processing time. Walk-in requests at the Nashville office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Tennessee single status affidavit apostille cost?▼
The Tennessee Secretary of State charges $2 per document for apostille services. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Tennessee Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Tennessee?▼
Yes. The Tennessee Secretary of State office at 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave in Nashville accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Tennessee single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Mail to: Office of Authentications, Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division, ATTN: ATS Section, 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Include the completed request form (SS-4504) and $2 fee per document.
What countries accept an Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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