Apostilles and Authentications
The Secretary of State authenticates South Dakota documents that will be used in another country. Review the requirements before mailing, dropping off, or scheduling expedited service.
Start Here
Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form
Download and complete the request form before mailing, dropping off, or bringing documents to an expedited appointment.
Prepare Your Documents
Document requirements
Requirements depend on the document type. Documents issued by another state or the federal government cannot be authenticated by this office.
Original certification is required
Every document must have the correct certification or notarization before it is submitted. All seals and signatures must be original.
- Copies are accepted only when they are true certified copies completed by a notary public.
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, and court documents cannot be notarized as true copies. They must be certified by the issuing agency.
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Business documents
Business Services can print official business documents for an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication, including a Certificate of Good Standing or a certificate of Articles of Organization.
- Business-document charges must be paid by credit or debit card.
- Business Services charges the applicable certificate fee plus $2 for each additional page.
- The Apostille or Certificate of Authentication fee is an additional $25 per document.
Federal apostille and authentication information is available from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications or by calling 202-647-5002.
Every Submission
Request requirements
Certified documents
Include each original document with the required certification or South Dakota notarization.
Request form
Identify the country where the documents will be used. The destination country determines whether the document receives an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication. Check the official HCCH Apostille Convention status table to determine whether the destination country participates in the Convention.
Provide daytime contact information and return-mailing instructions. “USA” is not a valid destination because this service is only for documents used abroad.
Download the request form →Processing fee
Include $25 per document. Checks and money orders should be payable to the Secretary of State. Cash and major credit/debit cards are accepted. Checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards must be issued by a U.S. bank.
Return delivery
The office sends documents by standard mail only to addresses in the United States. For tracking, another delivery method, or a foreign address, include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope or shipping label. The office cannot accept or send documents through DHL.
Choose a Submission Method
How to request an apostille
By mail
Original documents must be mailed. Documents sent by email or fax cannot be processed.
Mailed requests are generally processed within two business days after receipt. Use a trackable mailing method; the office is not responsible for documents lost in transit.
Include:
- Completed request form
- Certified documents
- $25 fee per document
- Prepaid return envelope or shipping label, if applicable
Mail to:
South Dakota Secretary of State
Attn: Apostille Office
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Drop off and pick up
Drop-off and pick-up service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Documents are processed in the order received, and most orders are completed within one to two business days.
Bring:
- Completed request form
- Certified documents
- $25 fee per document
- Prepaid return envelope or shipping label if documents should be mailed
Drop-off address:
South Dakota Secretary of State
500 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 112
First floor of the Capitol Building
Pierre, SD 57501
By appointment
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to staff availability. Walk-in appointments are not accepted.
- Limit of 10 documents per expedited request
- A $50 expedited fee may be added to the $25-per-document fee
- Some requests may take longer than the appointment period
Schedule before arriving by emailing [email protected] or calling 605-773-5008.
Appointment address:
South Dakota Secretary of State
500 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 112
First floor of the Capitol Building
Pierre, SD 57501
Questions
Contact the Apostille Office
Apostille Office
Email [email protected] or call 605-773-5008 or 605-773-5948 with questions about document preparation or service options.