Iowa Apostille Services
Iowa documents intended for use abroad may require state authentication before they can be accepted by a foreign authority.
The Iowa Secretary of State authenticates qualifying Iowa public documents and signatures of Iowa notaries and elected officials.
Global Apostille Group can review your Iowa document, identify the appropriate preparation requirements, and coordinate processing through completion.
Request a QuoteIowa Uses a Single Certificate Format
Iowa now uses one certificate format for qualifying public documents being sent abroad, whether the destination country participates in the Hague Apostille Convention or not.
The Iowa Secretary of State certifies the origin of qualifying public documents using its Single Certificate format.
The certificate includes information identifying whether the document is being treated as an apostille or as a certification for a non-Hague destination.
Iowa’s current certificate format is different from its older version and is no longer issued on the state’s former gold seal paper.
Certified Iowa Documents
Birth and death certificates, court records, deeds, and other public records should generally be obtained as official certified records from the appropriate Iowa custodian.
Iowa-Notarized Records
Affidavits, powers of attorney, statements, translations, and other privately held documents may qualify when properly notarized by an Iowa notary.
Private Copies May Qualify
Iowa notaries may certify copies of certain privately held documents, including business records, diplomas, passports, and letters.
Preparing an Iowa Document for Authentication
Iowa authenticates the authority of the Iowa notary or elected official whose signature appears on the document. The underlying record must therefore be prepared correctly before submission.
Use an Iowa Signature
Iowa can authenticate only qualifying signatures of Iowa notaries or Iowa elected officials whose authority can be verified by the Secretary of State.
Use the Proper Record
Public records should generally be submitted as official certified copies, while private documents may instead require proper Iowa notarization.
Complete the Notarial Act Correctly
Iowa notarizations must comply with state requirements, including use of the notary’s required stamp and a complete notarial certificate.
Confirm the Destination Country
The receiving country should be identified so the Iowa Secretary of State can issue the appropriate Single Certificate.
The state’s certificate confirms that the Iowa notary or elected official who signed the document was authorized to do so at the time of signing.
Not Sure Whether Your Iowa Document Is Ready?
Send us the document type, issuing authority, and destination country. We can review the authentication requirements and identify any preparation needed before processing.