How to Apostille a New York Certified translation + affidavit (2026 Guide)
To apostille a New York certified translation + affidavit, have the translator sign an affidavit of accuracy before a notary. Then submit it to the New York Department of State, Apostille & Authentication Unit for $10 per document. Mail processing takes about 3–7 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $10 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | New York Department of State, Apostille & Authentication Unit |
| Required copy | Have the translator sign an affidavit of accuracy before a notary. |
| Mail time | 3–7 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Required — Notarized documents from New York City counties usually need county-clerk pre-certification before the state will apostille them. |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Have the translator sign an affidavit of accuracy before a notary. In New York, new York birth and death certificates come from the NYS Department of Health, or NYC Vital Records for the five boroughs.
Step 2 — County clerk pre-certification
A certified translation + affidavit is notary-based, so New York requires the county clerk who oversees the notary to certify the notary's authority first. Notarized documents from New York City counties usually need county-clerk pre-certification before the state will apostille them.Skipping this is a common cause of rejection. The county pre-certification guide explains it in full.
Step 3 — Submit to the New York Department of State, Apostille & Authentication Unit
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $10 per document by check or money order. Same-day service at Albany and four other counters, with a ten-document limit.
Step 4 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The affidavit, not the translation itself, is what gets apostilled — confusing the two causes rejection
- The notarization was skipped
Who typically needs this
Accompanying any translated US document abroad.
Meeting a foreign authority's certified-translation rule.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a certified translation + affidavit in New York?
The New York Department of State, Apostille & Authentication Unit charges $10 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my certified translation + affidavit?
No. New York apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The affidavit, not the translation itself, is what gets apostilled — confusing the two causes rejection
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in New York runs about 3–7 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Does my certified translation + affidavit need county pre-certification?
Yes. In New York, this notary-based document is certified by the county clerk before the state apostille. Notarized documents from New York City counties usually need county-clerk pre-certification before the state will apostille them. The Pathway Checker confirms it for your case.
Other New York documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the New York Department of State, Apostille & Authentication Unit and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.