New Jersey residents who have prepared documents for international use may need to obtain an apostille before they are accepted abroad. Under the Hague Convention, an apostille authenticates documents, commonly requested for birth certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas, and notarized legal documents, such as powers of attorney.
New Jersey’s apostille process is central, making it easier to accomplish than in most states.
Where to Get Apostilles in New Jersey
Apostilles in New Jersey are only issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). In contrast to several other states that provide apostille services through multiple offices or counties, all of New Jersey’s apostille services come from a single location in Trenton.
As a result, each resident of New Jersey, whether living in Northern or Southern NJ, must send documents to the Trenton office in person or by mail.
Using the Walk-In Apostille Office for Quicker Service
When a resident needs documents authenticated quickly, using the walk-in apostille office is usually the quickest method. The apostille office is located at 33 West State Street in Trenton.
Hours for the Walk-In Apostille Office
Typically, the walk-in apostille office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. However, it will be closed on state holidays. No appointments are necessary. At the office, applicants fill out a short application and submit their documents for processing. With the past few years’ experience, in-person requests are typically completed within the same day or the next business day, depending on volume.
Sending Documents to the Apostille Office by Mail for Convenience
New Jersey residents who do not need to have their documents authenticated in a hurry can send them to the apostille office by mail. Documents submitted for apostille authentication should be mailed to the Apostille Unit at PO Box 452 in Trenton.
Documentation sent to the apostille office by mail should contain:
- the original documents,
- the correct payment for the apostille,
- a pre-paid return envelope.
Prepaid return envelopes with tracking is highly suggested to help expedite delivery when documents are returned.
Costs and Preparation Online
The cost to obtain an apostille in New Jersey is $25 per document, unless the document is related to an adoption, in which case the cost is $5 per document. Expedited service options may be available based on specific situations.
Before submitting any request to the state for an apostille, applicants will need to begin the process online through the state portal. The online system generates the required cover sheet and enables applicants to make an advance payment. Even if an applicant intends to appear in person, the online process is a requirement.
Important Details for Vital Records
Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates must be certified copies issued by the New Jersey Department of Health to be eligible for an apostille. Uncertified or photocopies will not be accepted.
Third-Party Apostille Service Options
Many New Jersey residents elect to use third-party apostille service providers, especially in complicated cases or for international adoptions. Third-party apostille services are optional. New Jersey residents can obtain an apostille directly from the state without third-party assistance.
Verify Current Requirements
Due to possible changes in processing times or the availability of certain document types, applicants are advised to visit the state’s official apostille webpage to verify the requirements for obtaining an apostille. The Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services also offers assistance by phone to answer questions about eligibility or documentation.
Thousands of New Jersey residents annually utilize this system to prepare documents for international travel, employment, education, and family purposes. Although the process appears overwhelming, the centralized structure makes it one of the more efficient apostille systems in the U.S.