Getting an Apostille can be a challenging process especially when you are clueless about what is the apostille and why someone is requesting it from you. To get an apostille you should first identify the type of document that you have and where it was issued. 

• Your documents must be signed by and contain the seal of the New York State official who is the custodian of the record or a New York State notary public.  

• Birth, Death, Marriage, and Certificate of Divorce issued by New York City, local vital statistics offices, or town and city clerks must first be certified by either a New York State Official or a County Clerk. It's also important to remember that Birth and Death certificates issued from the New York City Department of Health will also require a Letter of Exemplification. 

• Educational documents must first be certified by an official at the educational institution (registrar) attesting that the document is an official record or a true copy of the original document. The official's signature then must be notarized by a notary public. 

• Every other document (such as affidavits, power of attorney, contracts, etc) must first be notarized. The notary's signature must then be certified at the County Clerk's office where the notary is qualified.