NASS Resolution for the Adoption of National Apostille Issuance Guidelines
Originally adopted July 2013; Reauthorized July 2018; Amended and reauthorized July 2023
WHEREAS the United States is party to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention); and
WHEREAS the Hague Conference on Private International Law recognizes each of the 50 states to be a competent authority in the administration of the Apostille Convention for that state; and
WHEREAS the Hague Conference and the Notary Public Administrators section of the National Association of Secretaries of State have long worked together to promote uniformity and consistency of practice in the issuance of apostilles; and
WHEREAS it is up to each competent authority to administer the convention within the context of local law; and
WHEREAS consistent practice among the states facilitates international commerce with all the states; and
WHEREAS a handbook promoting best practices enables consistent application of the Apostille convention principles within the context of local law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the National Association of Secretaries of State supports the adoption of the NASS Apostille Issuance Guidelines;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the National Association of Secretaries of State recommends that its members use these guidelines to inform the issuance of apostilles in their capacity as competent authorities of the Apostille Convention.
Adopted July 12th, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
EXPIRES: Summer 2028
