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Apostille Requests

An Apostille is a form of authentication that certifies original documents (i.e. your degree, transcript or coursework), so they can be recognized in foreign countries.

Depending on which country the document is intended to be used, this special authentication is known as an "apostille" (for countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961 Treaty) or a “certification” (for all other countries).
They are often needed in adoptions, extraditions, applications for jobs or graduate programs abroad, and certain business transactions.

The North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is authorized by state law to authenticate a document for use in a foreign country.

An apostille is issued by the Secretary of State.

Requesting Authentication:

To obtain an Apostille/Certification, please forward the following documents to the BSC Academic Records Office, PO Box 5587, Bismarck ND 58506-5587:

1. Official BSC Transcript Order should be placed online. Follow the steps on the BSC Transcript Request webpage.

Place an order for a paper transcript to be sent to the address listed above and indicate in the instruction box it should be given directly to the Registrar for the apostille).

2. Original BSC diploma
To request a replacement diploma please follow the steps on the BSC Diploma Reorder webpage. Add a comment stating the order is for an apostille/certification.

3. Authentication Letter
  • Addressed to: Secretary of State, State of North Dakota
To include:
  • Date
  • Full Name
  • Contact information: Address and Phone Number
  • Country that will be receiving your documents
  • Name and address where the Secretary of State should send the documents once they have completed their certification.
4. A check/money order for $15 U.S. funds made payable to the N.D. Secretary of State for each authentication.

Processing Authentication:

Once the BSC Academic Records Office receives the above information, we will produce the documents along with a letter signed by the Registrar. All documents will be notarized and forwarded along with payment to the ND Secretary of State’s Office in Bismarck N.D. to be apostilled.

The N.D. Secretary of State will usually process within three business days of receipt and return authentication by United States Postal Service first class mail.