How-To: Apostille Documents

Apostille (Diploma/Transcript Authentication)*

EKU graduates who plan to work or further their education abroad may need to authenticate their degree(s) and transcripts. This process is often referred to as an Apostille, which is the verification and legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the Hague Convention.**

Ordering an Apostille Document

To order an Apostille document, please include the following items in addition to the completed duplicate diploma or transcript request form:

$5.00 check or money order – issued to the “Madison County Clerk”
Completed Kentucky State Apostille Authentication Form
$5.00 check or money order – issued to the “Kentucky Secretary of State”

Steps of an Apostille Request

An apostille request includes the following steps:

Submission of a duplicate diploma and/or official transcript request
Document is verified as authentic and notarized
Authentication of the notary with the county clerk’s office
Submission of these documents to the Kentucky Secretary of State
The documents will then be mailed back to you, directly from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office

Please allow additional time for processing and receipt of apostille diplomas and transcripts due to the additional requirements.

*It is imperative that you verify the specific documents and authentication required by the receiving country. More information regarding authentication of American academic credentials for use abroad is available at the U.S. Department of State website.

**For those countries that do not recognize the Hague Convention or that do not accept the apostille, the U.S. Department of State has an Office of Authentications which can provide a federal authentication. Please note: if federal authentication is required, you must be sure to request the documents be returned to you, in order for you to complete the process.

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