What is an apostille?
From the Ohio Secretary of State's website:
When certain public documents are to be used in a foreign country, they are required to be certified. This certification, also called an authentication or apostille, validates official signatures. Some common examples of documents that require an authentication or Apostille for international use are business documents (bylaws, articles of incorporation, good standing certificates), adoption paperwork (home studies, letters of reference) and education documents (diplomas, transcripts).
An apostille is a certificate issued by [the Ohio Secretary of State's] office for all documents going to countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention.
Getting your document apostilled:
Youngstown State University will only authenticate documents (transcripts or diplomas) that have not yet been distributed to the student. If your transcript or diploma has already been distributed you must order a new transcript or replacement diploma.
Having documents apostilled by the state is a multi-step process:
1. If your document has already been distributed to you, you must first order a replacement diploma or official transcript.
For Transcripts: To order an official transcript to be authenticated you can order a rush transcript at the Penguin Service Center in Meshel Hall, 2nd floor and indicate that you need an apostille. If you wish to order a transcript online please call our office at 330-941-2942 before placing your order to notify us that you need an apostille for a transcript. This ensures that we do not mail your transcript without the authentication.
For Diplomas: For an apostilled diploma indicate on the Replacement Diploma Form that you are ordering a diploma for an apostille. If you need an authentication for a diploma that has not yet been distributed please contact our office prior to graduation at 330-941-2942.
2. Once your official transcript has been printed or your replacement diploma has been processed and printed the YSU Records Office will have your document authenticated.
3. You must visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website to print off the appropriate forms. Submit your cover letter, fee, and authentication to the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
Regular fees apply for ordering transcripts and replacement diplomas. There is no additional charge for YSU to have your document authenticated. The authentication process may add up to 5 business days to normal processing times.
Once your diploma or transcript has been authenticated you may it pick up or have your document mailed directly to you. It is the student's responsibility to complete the apostille process with the Ohio Secretary of State. Youngstown State University will not send your document directly to the Ohio Secretary of State.
For further information visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
For questions regarding the authentication process at YSU please call 330-941-6000 or 330-941-2942.