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HAGUE CONVENTION ABOLISHING THE REQUIREMENT OF LEGALIZATION FOR FOREIGN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS - The "Apostille"

Up-to-date information regarding the Hague Convention (Apostille) can be found at: http://www.hcch.net/. 

QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO COUNSEL IN THAT SPECIFIC COUNTRY.

Q. What countries follow the Hague Legalization Convention?

Q. Who is the foreign central authority for a particular country?

Q. In the United States, who can put the Hague Legalization Convention "apostille" certificate on a document?

Q. Where does the Hague Legalization Convention apply?

A. The Hague Legalization Convention is in force in the following countries. But see the next question regarding how the change of status of a country affects treaty obligations. Click on the name of the country for specific information about the competent authority to issue apostille certificates and other details on how the Hague Legalization Convention works in that country.

ANDORRA

ANGOLA

ANGUILLA

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

ARGENTINA

ARMENIA

ARUBA

AUSTRALIA

AUSTRIA

BAHAMAS

BARBADOS

BELARUS

BELGIUM

BELIZE

BERMUDA

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

BOTSWANA

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

BRUNEI

BULGARIA

CAYMAN ISLANDS

CHINA (Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) ONLY)
CHINA (Macau SAR (Special Administrative Region) ONLY)

COLOMBIA

COMOROS ISLANDS

CROATIA

CYPRUS

CZECH REPUBLIC

DJIBOUTI

DOMINICA

EL SALVADOR

ESTONIA

FALKLAND ISLANDS

FIJI

FINLAND

FRANCE

Extended to:

NEW CALEDONIA

WALLIS AND FUTUNA

FRENCH POLYNESIA

GERMANY

GIBRALTAR

GREECE

GRENADA

GUERNSEY

HONG KONG SAR (China, Hong Kong SAR)

HUNGARY

IRELAND

ISLE OF MAN

ISRAEL

ITALY

JAPAN

JERSEY

KAZAKHSTAN

LATVIA

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

LIECHTENSTEIN

LITHUANIA

LUXEMBOURG

MACAU SAR (China, Macau SAR)

MACEDONIA

MALAWI

MALTA

MARSHALL ISLANDS

MAURITIUS

MEXICO

MONTSERRAT

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA

NETHERLANDS

Extended to:

ARUBA

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES (Curacao, Bonaire, St. Martin, St. Eustatius and Saba)

SURINAME

NEW ZEALAND

NIUE

NORWAY

PANAMA

PORTUGAL

Extended to:

ANGOLA

MOZAMBIQUE

ROMANIA

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

ST. CHRISTOPHER (Kitts) AND NEVIS

ST. GEORGIA AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS

ST. HELENA

ST. LUCIA

ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SAMOA

SAN MARINO

SEYCHELLES

SLOVAKIA

SLOVENIA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

SOUTH AFRICA

SPAIN

SURINAME

SWAZILAND

SWEDEN

SWITZERLAND

TONGA

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

TURKEY

TUVALU

UKRAINE - information to follow 

UNITED KINGDOM

Extended to:

JERSEY

GUERNSEY

ISLE OF MAN

ANTIGUA

BAHAMAS

BARBADOS

BERMUDA

BRUNEI

CAYMAN ISLANDS

DOMINICA

FALKLAND ISLANDS

FIJI

GIBRALTAR

GRENADA

HONG KONG

MAURITIUS

MONTSERRAT

ST. HELENA

ST. KITTS

NEVIS

ANGUILLA

ST. LUCIA

ST. VINCENT

SEYCHELLES

TURKS AND CAICOS

VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH

Extended to:

50 STATES

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

AMERICAN SAMOA
GUAM (TERRITORY OF)
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (COMMONWEALTH OF)
PUERTO RICO
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

VANUATU

VENEZUELA

YUGOSLAVIA

Q. Where can I find the text of the Convention?

A. See the web site for the Hague Convention on Private International Law: http://www.hcch.net/.

Q. How can I keep track when new countries join the Hague Legalization Convention?

A. The easiest way to find out whether a new country has become a party to the Hague Legalization Convention is to check out the web site on the Internet for the Hague Conference on Private International Law at http://www.hcch.net/ for up to date information about recent accessions to the Convention. 

Q. Does a change of status of a country affect whether the Hague Legalization Convention is still in force?

A. This is a complex question. The following notes may assist you in understanding how the change of status of a country can affect treaty obligations.

1. When the Hague Legalization Convention first entered into force, many countries declared that the treaty also applied in foreign dependencies which have since declared independence We have requested the assistance of the Hague Conference on Private International Law to confirm whether these countries continue to consider themselves bound by the treaty.

2. In accordance with Article 34(1) of the Vienna Convention on Succession of States in Respect of Treaties, when a country which is a party to a multilateral treaty or convention has dissolved, the successor state(s) inherit the treaty obligations of the former government, consistent with Article 34 of the Vienna Convention on Succession of States in Respect of Treaties. However, as a practical matter, the custom is for depositaries to expect a notice of succession to confirm that the new entity is performing its treaty obligations. Many newly independent states may not really be implementing such conventions at this time in that they may not be performing the functions set forth in the Convention. 

3. On September 4, 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) deposited an instrument of accession to the Convention. The Convention was to have entered into force for the USSR on April 1, 1992. Prior to that date, the USSR dissolved. Three members of the Newly Independent States (NIS), the Russian Federation, the Belarus Republic and Armenia have informed the depositary for the Convention that the Convention applies in those jurisdictions. Even if other NIS countries were to consider the Convention to apply, it may not be operational. Each jurisdiction must designate an authority competent to issue the Convention certificate (apostille) before the Convention can be operational. It may be wise to have documents prepared for use in jurisdictions which have not yet designated an authority competent to affix the Convention apostille in two sets, one using the apostille and one using the chain authentication method, including the seal of the foreign embassy or consulate if possible. Local authorities in such jurisdictions may question the validity of the apostille due to lack of familiarity with the certificate. In addition, the some states, for example, the Russian Federation, have declined to affix the Convention apostille to administrative or commercial documents. Such documents would have to be authenticated using the chain authentication method.

4. Former Yugoslavia was a party to the Convention. Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia have informed the depositary that they consider the Convention to apply and have designated a competent authority to issue the Convention certificate (apostille). The names of the competent authorities designated by the remaining segments of former Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro) continue to be listed in this flyer as a point of reference.

Q. How does the Hague Legalization Convention make dealing with documents between countries easier?

A. The Convention simplifies the old "chain" authentication procedure which requires multiple seals to be place on documents, by eliminating many links in the chain. Documents which have the special Hague Legalization Certificate are acceptable in other countries where the treaty is in force without any other authentication.

Q. What certificate is used under the Hague Legalization Convention?

A. If you have a document you want legalized for use in another country which is also a party to the treaty, a special certification called an "apostille" must be affixed to the document by a competent authority. The apostille is a pre-printed form prescribed by the Convention. See a copy of the apostille certificate in the web site for the Hague Convention on Private International Law. 

Q. Is there a fee for the Apostille Certificate?

A. Fees vary depending on where the certificate is issued. Fees are subject to change without notice.  See references to fees under specific countries and U.S. states noted below. (We take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information). 

Q. How can I contact that Competent Authorities to issue the Apostille Certificate in Each State or other Jurisdiction in the United States?

A. Click here for the name, address and telephone number of the Competent authority and fee information.

For more information see:  Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, Patent and Trademark Review 39, January (l982); Nash-Leich, The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, 76 Am. J. Int'l L. 182 (1982);  Sherry, Old Treaties Never Die, They Just Lose Their Teeth: Authentication Needs of a Global Community Demand Retirement of the Hague Public Documents Convention, 31 John Marshall Law Review 1045 (1998); Sinnott, A Practical Guide to Document Authentication: Legalization of Notarized and Certified Documents 464 (1997).

Q. Where can I find the Hague Conference on Private International Law information about the Hague Legalization Convention?

A. Hague Conference on Private International Law home page on the Internet is http://www.hcch.net/

Andorra: Entered into force for Andorra 12/31/96. Competent Authority: On December 13, 2001, Andorra advised that the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 1 are:
1. El Ministre d'Afers Exteriors

2. El Ministre de Justícia i Interior

All legalization requests are centralized through the following address:

Ministeri d'Afers Exteriors
Prat de la Creu
Edifici del Govern
Andorra la Vella
Principat d'Andorra

Tel.: 376-875-700
Fax: 376-869-559
E-mail: exteriors.gov@andorra.ad

Angola: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by Angola that Convention is deemed to apply. On October 22, 1969, Portugal extended Convention to Angola. Portugal declared the competent authority to be the Governor General ("Les Gouverneurs generaux ("Governadores Gerais"). Current Competent Authority Unknown.

Anguilla: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Saint Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla which entered into force April 25, 1965. Antigua achieved independence on November 1, 1981 as Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda declared on May 1, 1985 that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Extended by the United Kingdom to Anguilla February 24, 1965. Competent Authority: the Governor of Anguilla.

Antigua and Barbuda: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Antigua which entered into force April 25, 1965. Achieved independence in 1981 and Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention. Competent Authority: a. Governor-General, Antigua-Barbuda; b. Registrar of the The High Court; High Street; St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; tel: 809-462-3147

Argentina: Entered into force 2/18/88. Competent Authority: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto, Reconquista 1088, 1003 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Armenia: Entered into force 8/14/94. Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice

Australia: Entered into force 3/16/95. Competent Authority: Secretary to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth

Austria: Entered into force 1/13/68. Competent Authority: 1. Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium fur auswartige Angelegenheiten; 2. The Presidents of any Civil Court of First Instances, with the exception of the Commercial Court (Handelsgericht) of Vienna and the Juvenile Court (Jugendgerichtshof) of Vienna, or their representatives authorized to issue the apostille; 3. The Governors of the Provinces (Landeshauptmanner); 4. Governments of the Provinces (Landesregierungen)

Bahamas: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bahamas which entered into force April 25, 1965. Bahamas achieved independence on July 10, 1973. On April 30, 1976 the Bahamas declared that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 2. Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 3. Under Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 4. Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 5. Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 6. First Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Barbados: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Barbados which entered into force April 25, 1965. Barbados achieved independence November 30, 1966. By a note of August 1995 to the depositary, the Government of Barbados declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Solicitor-General; 2. Deputy Solicitor General; 3. Registrar of the Supreme Court of Barbados Law Courts, Bridgetown, Barbados, tel: 809-42-75537; 4. The Permanent Secretary - Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and International Transport; 5. The Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and International Transport

Belarus: Entered into Force May 31, 1992. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice (judicial/court documents); Ministry of National Education (educational documents); Committee for Archives and Administration (state archives documents); Ministry of Foreign Affairs (all other documents)

Belgium: Entered into force 2/9/76. Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Cooperation in Development (Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres, du Commerce exterieur et de la Cooperation au Developpement)

Belize: Entered into force 4/11/93. Competent Authority: The Registrar General

Bermuda: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bermuda which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: On October 17, 1968 the competent authority was declared to be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Bermudas or Somers Islands or any member of his staff signing on his behalf and using his official seal.

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Entered into Force: December 20, 1991. Competent Authority: By Note dated 17 August 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina informed the depositary of the following:

"(...) the authorities designated by Bosnia and Herzegovina who are competent to issue the certificate referred to in the first paragraph of Article 3 of the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents concluded at The Hague on 5th October 1961, are Municipal Courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Republic of Srpska. These certificates shall be subject to certification by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Botswana: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Bechuanaland Protectorate which entered into force April 25, 1965. The Bechuanaland Protectorate achieved independence September 30, 1966 as Botswana. On September 16, 1968, Botswana declared that it considered itself bound by the Convention effective the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. Permanent Secretary; 2. Registrar of the High Court; 3. District Commissioner; 4. Any person appointed or empowered to hold a subordinate court of the first class; 5. Such other person as the President may appoint by notice in the Gazette.

British Virgin Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the British Virgin Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority:

Registrar of Courts
Tortola, BVI
Phone: 284-494-3492
Fax: 284-494-6664

Cayman Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Cayman Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968 to be the Governor of the Cayman Islands

China, Hong Kong S.A.R. ONLY: Entered into force 6/3/97 in accordance with an exchange of diplomatic notes. Applies only to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Convention is not/not in force for other jurisdictions in the People's Republic of China. Competent Authority: Registrar, Supreme Court; Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court; and Deputy Chief Secretary, Supreme Court, Registrar, Hong Kong Supreme Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong, tel: (852) 2825-4254. See Hong Kong SAR.

Colombia: Entered into force January 30, 2001. Colombian Competent Authority to Issue Apostille:

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
Oficina de Legalizaciones
Doctor Carlos Guillermo DIAZ BUITRAGO
Transversal 17A, NO. 9-45
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia
tel: (1) 525-1862, 525-1860, 522-3697

Comoros Islands: Now Independent. No formal confirmation that Convention is deemed to apply. When France extended its accession to the Convention to the Comoros Islands (Moroni), the competent authority to affix the Convention "apostille" certificate was the General Procecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Moroni (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Moroni.)

Croatia: Entered into force October 8, 1991. Competent Authority: Municipal courts or the Ministry of Justice and Administration of the Republic of Croatia

Cyprus: Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus

Czech Republic: Signed the Convention June 23, 1998; ratified the Convention January 8, 1999. Entered into force: May 1, 1999. Competent Authority: Designation of the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1: 1. the Ministry of Justice, International Department (certificates issued by authorities of justice, including certificates issued or certified by notaries); 2. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department (documents issued by authorities of State Administration or by the other ones).

Djibouti: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. When France extended its accession to the Convention to the Affars and the Issas (now Djibouti), the competent authority to affix the Convention "apostille" certificate was the General Procecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Djibouti (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Djibouti.) Current Competent Authority: Unknown.

Dominica: No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Dominica which entered into force April 25, 1965. Dominica achieved independence November 3, 1978 and became the Commonwealth of Dominica. Competent Authority: Unknown.

El Salvador: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Relations, General Directorate for the Foreign Service, Carretera a Santa Tecla, Km 6 1/2, San Salvador, El Salvador, tel: 503-243-3740/3776/3707, Cost: No Fee

Estonia: Accession - December 11, 2000; Entry into Force - October 1, 2001. Designation of the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1:

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Legal Division, Consular Department, Islandi väljak 1, 15049 Tallinn, phone +372 6317 440, fax +372 631 7454;
2. Estonian Ministry of Education, Administrative Department, Room 104, Tönismägi 11, 15192 Tallin, phone +372 6 281 243, fax +372 6 281 390;
3. Administrative Department, Munga 18, 51007 Tartu, phone +372 7 350 252, fax +372 7 350 250;
4. Monitoring Department, Munga 18, Tartu, phone +372 7 350 231, fax +372 7 350 250;
5. Ministry of Justice, Courts' Department, Tartu mnt 85, Room 103, 10115 Tallinn, phone +372 612 7810, fax +372 612 7811;
6. Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Administrative Department, Legal Services office, Lai 40 , 10133 Tallinn, phone +372 612 5199, fax +372 5198;
7. Ministry of Social Affairs, Public Relations and Training Department, Gonsiori 29, 15027 Tallinn, phone +372 626 9875, fax +372 699 2209.

Falkland Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Falkland Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: On October 17, 1968 competent authority declared to be the Governor of the Falkland Islands

Fiji: Now independent. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Fiji which entered into force April 25, 1965. Fiji achieved independence October 10, 1970. Fiji declared on March 29, 1971 that it considered itself bound by the Convention. Fiji's accession to the Convention was effective the date of Fijian independence. Competent Authority: The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Fiji.

Finland: As of September 21, 2000, Finland announced multiple new authorities competent to issue the apostille certificate. See the Hague Conference on Private International Law website at http://www.hcch.net/e/status/stat12e.html

France: Departments in Europe and Overseas Departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion): The General Prosecutors at the Courts of Appeal (Les Procureurs generaux pres les cours d' appel

French Overseas Territories:

New Caledonia: Extended by France 11/25/64. Competent Authority: The General Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal of Noumea (le Procureur general pres la Cour d'appel de Noumea

Wallis and Futuna: The Judge of the Section of the Court of First Instance of Noumea at Mata Utu (le Juge de la Section du Tribunal de premiere instance de Noumea siegeant a Mata Utu)

French Polynesia: The Prosecutor of the Republic at the High Court of Appeal at Papeete (le Procureur de la Republique pres le Tribunal superieur d'appel de Papeete)

St. Pierre and Miquelon: The President of the High Court of Appeal of Saint-Pierre (le President du Tribunal Superieur d'appel de Saint-Pierre)

Germany, Federal Republic of: Competent Authorities: (a) Federal Authorities: 1. Federal Administrative Office (Bundesverwaltungsamt in Koln); 2. President of the German Patent Office (Prasident des Deutschen Patentamtes); (b) Authorities of the "Lander"; 3. Minister of Justice (Ministerium (Senator) fur Justiz Land-, (Amts-) gerichtsprasident); 4. President of the Provincial Court (Landgerichtsprasident); 5. President of the District Court/Court of First Instance (Amtsgerichsprasident); 6. Minister of Home Affairs, Ministerium (Senator) fur Innere Regierungsprasident (Prasident des Verwaltungsbezirks); 7. Ministerium (Senator) fur Inneres Regierungsprasident (Prasident des Verwaltungsbezirks); 8. Head of the Provincial Government (Regierungsprasident); 9. Head of the Administrative District (Prasident des Verwaltungsbezirks)

With the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, Convention apostille certificates from the new federal Lander of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia is the responsibility of the following Land authorities: 1. Minister of Justice, Die Ministerien fur Justiz sowie die Prasidenten der Langerichte (Bezirksgerichte); 2. Head of the Provincial Government, Die Ministerien fur Inneres sowie die Regierungsprasidenten (Bezirksregierungen) und das Landesverwaltungsamt (Thuringen); 3. Minister of Home Affairs, Die Ministerien fur Inneres; 4. Die Regierungsprasidenten (Bezirksregierungen), die Ministerien fur Justiz sowie die Prasidenten der Landgerichte (Bezirksgerichte)

Gibraltar: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Gibraltar which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared on October 17, 1968 to be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the City and Garrison of Gibraltar

Greece: Competent Authority: local nomarchy (department). Specifically, for Athens, administrative documents come from the Athens Nomarchy, Stadiou 29, Athens, Greece. All judicial documents, both penal and civil, as well as notarial deeds, are legalized by the local court of first instance, in the area where the decision or the notarial deed was issued.

Grenada: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Grenada which entered into force April 25, 1965. Grenada achieved independence February 7, 1974. Competent Authority: Unknown.

Guyana: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to British Guyana which entered into force April 25, 1965. British Guyana achieved independence in May 26, 1966 and became Guyana. Confirmation to U.S. Embassy in Georgetown,Guyana December, 1996 that Guyana considers itself bound by the Convention. Competent Authority: Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takuba Lodge 254 South Road Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana, Tel: 011-592-2-54166 or 011-592-2-54151, Fax: 011-592-2-59192

Guernsey: Extended to Guernsey by the United Kingdom January 24, 1965. Competent authority declared January 17, 1968. Competent Authority: The Lieutenant Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey

Hong Kong SAR: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Hong Kong which entered into force for Hong Kong April 25, 1965. Sovereignty of Hong Kong reverted to the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1998. China declared the Hague Legalization Convention shall continue to apply to Hong Kong SAR effective July 1, 1998. Competent Authority: first declared October 17, 1968. On October 18, 1986, the then Governor of Hong Kong delegated authority to the Registrar, Supreme Court; Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar, Supreme Court; and Deputy Chief Secretary, Supreme Court, Registrar, Hong Kong Supreme Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong, tel: (852) 2825-4254. The Competent Authority did not change following reversion to Chinese sovereignty.

Hungary: Competent Authority: 1. Minister of Justice regarding public documents and judicial documents; 2. Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding public documents and legalizations executed by other authorities

Ireland: Signed the Convention October 29, 1996; ratified the Convention January 8, 1999. Entered into force: March 9, 1999. Competent Authority: Designation of the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1: the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

Israel: Competent Authority: 1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 2. Registrars of Magistrates Courts and Civil Servants appointed by the Minister of Justice under Notaries Law, 1976.

Italy: Competent Authority: 1. The Public Prosecutor (I Procurators della Reppublica); 2. The Competent Prefetti (Heads) of the Territories for the Valley of Aosta; Il Presidente della Regione (The Head of the District for the Provinces of Trente and Bolzano; Il Commissario di Governo (The Commissioner of the Government)

Japan: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Authentications Division (Shomei-han) 2-1 Kasumigaseki 2-chome, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo 100, Japan. Request an application for obtaining an apostille from the Ministry. The letter must include an explanation as to why you need this document. After you receive the application, you must complete it and send it back to the Japanese authority with the "original" document to be authenticated bearing the appropriate seal of the issuing authority. The "original" document must have been certified by the issuing office within the past six months. You should also send a photocopy of the document and a self addressed stamped envelope. You will receive the authenticated documents directly from the Ministry. There is no fee for this service. You may also contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. nearest you for additional information.

Jersey: Extended by the United Kingdom January 24, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968, the Lieutenant Governor of the Bailiwick of Jersey.

Kazakhstan: Entry into force January 30, 2001. Competent Authority: By Note dated 19 September 2001, the Republic of Kazakhstan informed the depositary of the following:

"... and has the honour to inform that the new authorities have been designated to issue the apostille in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan N 545 dated 24.04.01:
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for official documents issued by the bodies for justice and other state bodies, including the notary offices;
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for official documents issued by the bodies for education, science and the educational institutions of the Republic;
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for official documents issued by the structural subdivisions of the Migration Police;
The Committee on administration of the archives and documentation to the Ministry of Culture, Information and Public Consent of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for archive certificates and copies of archive documents issued by the state archives of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
The Committee for forensic (legal) administration to the Supreme Court (to be co-ordinated) for official documents issued by the law-enforcement bodies and the bodies for execution of law;
The Ministry on State Income of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for official documents issued by the structural and territorial subdivisions of the Ministry on State Income of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
The General Office of Public Prosecutors of the Republic of Kazakhstan (to be co-ordinated) - for official documents issued by the bodies of Public Prosecutors, investigation agencies and inquest;
The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan - for archive certificates and copies of archive documents issued by the special state archives of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
The Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan (to be co-ordinated) - for archive certificates and copies of archive documents issued by the special archives of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
The designated bodies are entitled to delegate the authority to their territorial bodies to issue the apostille.
Attachment: The Hague Convention dtd 05.10.1961 abolishing the legalisation for foreign public documents stipulates the apostille of 9 x 9 cm in size.
It is expedient to have a stamp of the apostille, which size is 13 x 13 cm.
A script of the text can be enlarged for the comfort of its representation and reading. It is not allowed to change (translate) a language document, text and its order of placing on the stamp.
The stamp can be fulfilled in the language of the Republic of Kazakhstan only."

Kiribati: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Gilbert Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. The Gilbert Islands achieved independence as Kiribati July 12, 1979. Competent Authority: Unknown.

Korea, Republic of (South Korea): Ratified Convention January 13, 2000; in accordance with Article 28, second paragraph, the Convention will enter into force for the Republic of Korea in the absence of any objections from a State which has ratified the Convention before the deposit of the accession, notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands within a period of six months after the date on which the Ministry has notified it of the accession. For practical reasons, this six month's period will run from January 31, 2000 to July 31, 2000. Pursuant to Article 10, the Republic of Korea objects to the following: a) the freedom to send judicial documents, by postal channels, directly to persons abroad, b) the freedom of judicial officers, officials or other competent persons of the State of origin to effect service of judicial documents directly through the judicial officials or other competent persons of the State of destination, c) the freedom of any person interested in a judicial proceeding to effect service of judicial documents directly through judicial officers, officials or other competent persons of the State of destination. Competent Authority: Ministry of Court Administration, Attn.: Director of International Affairs, 967, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, SEOUL 137-750, Republic of Korea

Latvia: Entered into force: May 11, 1995. Competent Authority: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department, 57 Elizbietes Street, Riga, LV 1510, Latvia, tel: 728-9505, Cost: $10.00 (for individuals, 10 day processing), $20.00 (for individuals, one day service), $20.00 (for organizations, 10 day processing), $40.00 (for organizations, one day service)

Lesotho: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Basutoland which entered into force April 25, 1965. Basutoland achieved independence on October 4, 1966 as Lesotho. On April 24, 1972, Lesotho declared that it considers itself bound by the Convention. The effective date of Lesotho's accession is the date of independence. Competent Authority: 1. The Attorney General; 2. The Permanent Secretary of a Ministry or Department; 3. The Registrar of the High Court; 4. A Resident Magistrate; 5. A Magistrate of the First Class; 6. By appointment of the Minister, noticed in Gazette

Liberia: CONVENTION NOT IN FORCE BETWEEN U.S. AND LIBERIA as U.S. concluded Liberia cannot fulfill responsibilities of competent authority to issue Convention "apostille" at present.

Liechtenstein: Competent Authority: Office of the Government of the Prince at Vaduz (Regierungskanzlei der furstlichen Regierung)

Lithuania: Entered into force November 5, 1996. Competent Authority: Dalia Salkauskiene, Head of Consular Assistance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Division, J. Tumo-Vaizganto g.2, 2600 Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania.

Luxembourg: Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres)

Macau SAR: Extended to Macau by Portugal at the time of Portugal's accession to the Convention on October 22, 1969. Competent Authority: 1. The Governor of Macau, Palacio do Governo, Av. da Praia Grande, Macau; 2. The Assistant Secretary for Justice of Macau, R. de S. Lourenco, Edificio dos Secretarios Adjuntos, 1 andar, Macau 3. The Head of the Justice Department of Macau Av. da Praia Grande, 594, Edificio BCM, 8 andar, Macau. NOTE: Macau will revert to Chinese sovereignty December 20, 1999. By letter of 10 December 1999, the Ambassador of them People's Republic to the Netherlands informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands of the following:

The Convention abolishing the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents, done at the Hague on 5 October 1961 (hereinafter referred to as the Convention), which applies to Macau at present, shall continue to apply to the Macau Special Administrative Region with effect from 20 December 1999. The Government of the People's Republic of China also wishes to make the following declaration: In accordance with Article 6 of the Convention, it designates the Chief Executive, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, and the Director of Justice Affairs Department of the Macau Special Administrative Region as the authorities competent to issue the certificate referred to in the first paragraph of Article 3 of the Convention in the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Macedonia: Entered into force September 30, 1993. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice

Malawi: Malawi acceded to the Convention February 24, 1967. The Convention entered into force for Malawi on December 2, 1967. Competent Authority: 1. The Attorney General or the Solicitor General; 2. The Permanent Secretary of a Government Ministry; 3. The Registrar of the High Court; 4. The Registrar General; 5. A Government Agent; 6. A notary public; 7. A Resident Magistrate

Malta: Competent Authority: Ministry of Commonwealth and Foreign Affairs

Man, Isle of: Extended by the United Kingdom on January 24, 1965. Competent Authority declared October 17, 1968. Competent Authority: The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man

Marshall Islands, Republic of: Acceded to the Convention November 18, 1991. The Convention entered into force for the RMI on August 14, 1992. Competent Authority: 1. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands; 2. Attorney General and Acting Attorney General; 3. Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the High Court; 4. Registrars and Deputy Registrars of Corporations; 5. Maritime Administrator and Special Agents thereof; 6. Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs or Special Agents thereof.

Mauritius: On December 20, 1968, Mauritius declared it considers itself bound by the Convention. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Mauritius which entered into force April 25, 1965. The effective date of accession is March 12, 1968, the date of independence. Competent Authority: In a note to the depositary dated September 17, 1973, Mauritius declared the competent authority is now: 1. The Permanent Secretary, or in his absence, 2. A Principal Assistant Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office

Mexico:

Competent Authorities:

A. Federal Documents: 1. Direccion General de Gobierno, Bucareli No. 99, Planta Baja, 06600 Mexico, D.F., tel: 535-31-12; 535-43-92, fax: 535-26-88; 2. Direccion de Coordinacion Politica Con Los Poderes de la Union, Abraham Gonzalez No. 48, Planta Baja, 06600 Mexico, D.F., tel: 535-51-31, fax: 566-12-25; 3. Subdireccion de Formalizacion Y Control Abraham Gonzalez No. 48, Planta Baja, 06600 Mexico, D.F., tel: 535-53-84; 546-57-32, fax: 566-12-25

B. Secretaria De Gobernacion Directorio Representaciones de la Subsecretaria de Gobierno

BAJA CALIFORNIA: Servicios Migratorios, Linea, Internacional, Agustin Melgar No. 1, Col. Centro, 21100 Mexicali, B.C., tel: 65-556665, fax: 65-529050

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR: Bravo No. 406, entre Aquiles Serdan y Guillermo Preito, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., tel: 112-32083, fax: 112-32280

CAMPECHE: Av. de las Palmas S/N junto al centro, Bizantino Bartimeo, 24020 Campeche, Camp., tel: 91-981-53150; 53186, fax: 91-981-53149

CHIAPAS: Libramiento Norte S/N a un costado de Esq. Pablo Guardado Chavez, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chis., tel: 91-961-43288, fax: 91-961-899091

CHIHUAHUA: Doblado y 3a No. 117, Despacho 2 y 3, Col. Centro, 3100 Chihuahua, Chih., tel: 14-167499, fax: 14-370149

COAHUILA: Victoria No. 406-1, Zona, Centro, 2500 Saltillo, Coah., tel: 18-175506, fax: 18-175334; 178951

COLIMA: Gabino Barrera No. 159-a, Zona Centro, 28000 Colima, Col., tel: 91-331-45912, fax: 91-331-45912

DURANGO: Constitucion No. 210-1, Norte Altos, Zona Centro, 34000, Durango, Dgo., tel: 18-17506, fax: 18-178951

GUANAJUATO: Agora del Baratillo Despacho 8, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., tel: 91-473-29446, fax: 91-473-29110; 29111

GUERRERO: Av. Ignacio Ramirez No. 22-a, Col. Centro, 39000, Chilpancingo, Gro., tel: 91-74-711772, fax: 91-74-721144; Calle Mina No. 120 Esq., Morelos, Col. Centro, 39300, Acapulco, Gro., tel: 91-74-828751, fax: 91-74-800341

HIDALGO: Torre Coby, Art. 3 No. 97-7, piso, Fracc, Constitution, 42080 Pachuco, Hgo., tel: 91-771-34026, fax: 91-771-34026

JALISCO: Chesterton 184, Jardines Vallarta, 45030 Guadalajara, Jal., tel: 91-3-6732394, fax: 91-3-6732138

MEXICO: Chaoco No. 703-8, Col. Sanchez, 50140 Toluca, Mexico, tel: 91-72-134679, fax: 91-72-134768; 158325

MICHOACAN: Av. Siervo de la Nacion S/N, Col. del Valle, 58260 Morelia, Mich., tel: 91-43-267

MORELOS: Galeana No. 2-8 piso Edificio, Ocampo, Col. Centro, 62000, Cuernavaca, Mor., tel: 91-73- 188594, fax: 91-73-188708

NAYARIT: Zacatecas No. 16 sur 1 y 2, piso entre Allende y Abasolo, 63000 Tepic, Nayarit, tel: 91-321-46269, fax: 91-321-46271

NUEVO LEON: Zaragoza No. 1000 Sur, Condominio Acero PH, 64000, Monterrey, N.L., tel: 8-3403000, fax: 8-3403000

OAXACA: Calzada de la Republica No. 402-B, Jalatlaco, 33606, Oaxaca, Oax., tel: 91-951-42145, fax: 91-951-42145

PUEBLA: Calla Italia No. 2224, Fracc., Las Hadas entre 15 de mayo y, 26 Pte., 72070 Puebla, Pue., tel: 91-22-494082, fax: 91-22-494072

QUERETARO: Boulevard Hernando Quintana, No. 168 Desp. 203 y 204, 76050 Queretaro, Qro., tel: 91-42-234960 or 91-42-234660, fax: 91-42-234960

QUINTANA ROO: Av. Primo de Verdad No. 181, int. 1 Esp. Av. Heroes, 67000 Chetumal, Q. Roo, tel: 91-983-27347, fax: 91-983-22744

SAN LUIS POTOSI: Av. Venustiano Carranza 707-402, Col. Centro 78250, San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., tel: 91-48-144092, fax: 91-48-173988

SINALOA: Lazaro Cardenas No. 913 Sur, Primer piso, Zona Centro, 80129 Culiacan, Sin., tel: 67-173988, fax: 67-173988

SONORA: Blvd. Navarrete No. 125, Despacho 2, Edif. Sonmol. Col. Valle Verde, 83200, Hermosillo, Son., tel: 62-165044, fax: 62-165044

TABASCO: Centro Admvo. Del Estado, Tabasco 2000, 86035, Villahermosa, Tab., tel: 91-93-165152, fax: 91-93-165152

TAMAULIPAS: Matamoros 11 y 12 No. 613, Cd. Victoria, Tamps., tel: 131-20462, fax: 131-20462

TLAXCALA: Kilometro 1 1/2 Carretera, federal Tlaxcala-Puebla S/N, 90000 Tlaxcala, Tlax., tel: 91-246-27147, fax: 91-246-27264

VERACRUZ: Zaragoza No. 2 Esq. Miguel, Barragan, 91000 Xalapa, Ver., tel: 91-28-189303, fax: 91-28-189395

YUCATAN: Calle 51 No. 459 x 50, Zona, Centro, 97000 Merida, Yuc., tel: 91-99-239142, 91-99-239636, 91-99-239671, 91-99-240815, fax: 91-99-235535

ZACATECAS: Calle Sabino No. 114 Fracc., La Penuela, 98060 Zacatecas, Zac., tel: 492-42318, fax: 492-42318

Montserrat: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Montserrat which entered into force April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968 to be the Governor of Montserrat

Mozambique: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On October 22, 1969, Portugal extended the Convention to Mozambique. Competent Authority: designated to be the Governor General ("Les Gouverneurs generaux ("Governadores Gerais"). Competent Authority Unknown.

Namibia: Entry into force January 30, 2001. Competent Authority: Unknown

Netherlands: Competent Authority: Kingdom in Europe: Registrars of the Courts of First Instance (Griffiers van de arrondissementsrechtbanken)

Netherlands Antilles: Extended by the Netherlands March 1, 1967. Entered into force for the Netherlands Antilles April 30, 1967. Competent Authority: declared to be Lieutenant Governor of an Island or Group of Islands (Gezaghebber van het eilandgebied)

Curacao: Competent Authority: the Lieutenant Governor of the Island of Curacao -- has delegated his authority to: (1) the Head of the Births, Deaths and Marriages, Population and Electoral Registers of the island of Curacao, and (2) the acting Head of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, Population and Electoral Registers of the island of Curacao.

Aruba: Competent Authority: the Head of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Register and the Population Register (het Hoofd van de Burgerlijke Stand en het Bevolkingsregister)

Nevis: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Saint Christopher (Kitts), Nevis, and Anguilla which entered into force April 25, 1965. Now independent, Saint Kitts and Nevis (formerly Saint Christopher and Nevis) acceded to the Convention on February 26, 1994. The Convention entered into force on December 14, 1994. Competent Authority: 1. The Chief Secretary in the Office of the Premier. 2. The Legal Adviser in the Legal Department or 3. The Deputy Registrary of the Supreme Court. Ministry of Legal Affairs, P.O. Box 186, Government Headquarters, St. Kitts-Nevis, West Indies, tel: 809-465-2521

New Zealand: Signature - February 7, 2001; Accession - September 23, 2001; Entry into Force - November 22, 2001. With the following declaration: This accession shall not extend to Tokelau unless and until a declaration to that effect is lodged by the Government of New Zealand with the depository, in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention; and designates the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs as its competent authority for the purposes of Article 6 of the Convention.

Niue: Signed the Convention June 10, 1998; ratified the Convention January 1, 1999. Entered into force: March 2, 1999. By Note dated 22 June 1999, the Government of Niue informed the depositary that in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the designated authorities are: (a) the Attorney General; (b) the Financial Secretary; (c) Crown Counsel; (d) the Registrar International Business Companies; (e) Deputy Registrar International Business Companies; (f) the Registrar, High Court of Niue; (g) Secretary to Government.

Norway: Competent Authority: Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the County Governors, namely:

Fylkesmannen i Oslo og Akershus, Postboks 8111 Dep., N-0032 Oslo 1, tel: 02-42-90-85

Fylkesmannen i Ostfold, Postboks 325, N-1501 Moss, tel: 032-54-100

Fylkesmannen i Hedmark, Postboks 308, N-2301 Hamar, tel: 065-26-080

Fylkesmannen i Oppland, N-2600 Lillehammer, tel: 062-66-000

Fylkesmannen i Budkerud, N-3000 Drammen, tel: 03-83-81-50

Fylkesmannen i Vestfold, N-3100 Tonsberg, tel: 033-17-515

Fylkesmannen i Telemark, N-3700 Skien, tel: 03-52-70 20/52 82 74

Fylkesmannen i Aust-Agder, Postboks 55, N-4801 Arendal, tel: 041-25-860

Fylkesmannen i Vest-Agder, Tinghuset, N-4600 Kristiansand S, tel: 042-28-000

Fylkesmannen i Rogaland, Postboks 59, N-4001 Stavanger, tel: 04-52-70-60

Fylkesmannen i Hordaland, Postboks 106, N-5001 Bergen, tel: 05-23-70 00

Fylkesmannen i Sogn og Fjordane, N-5840 Hermansverk, tel: 056-55-000

Fylkesmannen i More og Romsdal, Fylkeshuset, N-6400 Molde, tel: 072-58 000

Fylkesmannen i Sor-Trondelag, N-7000 Trondheim, tel: 07-51-08 11

Fylkesmannen i Nord-Trondelag, N-7700 Steinkjer, tel: 077-66-722

Fylkesmannen i Nordland, N-8000 Bode, tel: 081-62-1000

Fylkesmannen i Troms, Postboks 595, N-9001 Tromso, tel: 083-87530

Fylkesmannen i Finnmark, N-9800 Vadso, tel: 085-51 761/53 001

Panama: Competent Authority: 1. Concerning documents authorized by competent court authorities or officials, the Secretary of the Supreme Court or his legal substitutes; 2. Concerning deeds drawn up by a notary or private documents authenticated by a notary, the officials of the Department of Administrative Service of the Ministry of Justice; 3. Regarding documents issued by any central government bodies, any autonomous or semi-autonomous bodies, municipal or police authorities or a Public Ministry, the officials of the Consular and Legalization Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 4. Regarding all other public documents, any of the three preceeding procedures are allowed.

Portugal: Entered into force October 22, 1969. Competent Authority: Applicable on entry into force to entire territory of the Republic of Portugal Portugal:General Prosecutor of the Republic (Procurador General de Republica) and Prosecutors of the Republic at the Courts of Appeal (Procuradores da Republica junto dos Tribunals da Relacao), Other Overseas Departments: Les gouverneurs ("Governadores")

Macau, territory of: see Macau

Angola and Mozambique: see Angola and Mozambique

Romania: Entry into force March 16, 2001. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice for the certificates referred to in Article 1 a,c,d, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the official certificates referred to in Article 1 b.

Russian Federation:

Competent Authority:

(1) Ministry of Justice (documents of organizations and institutions directly subordinate to the Ministry)

(2) Ministries of Justice of the Republics within the Russian Federation and judicial bodies of the administration of krais, regions and autonomous formations as well as of the towns of Moscow and St. Petersburg shall certify documents of judicial bodies subordinate to them and institutions and corresponding bodies of law of the republic, krai, region, district or town.

(3) Republican registry offices of the republics within the Russian Federation, central registry offices of krais, regions and districts as well as of the towns of Moscow and St. Petersburg shall certify certificates of civil status of the above-mentioned bodies or registry offices subordinate to them;

(4) The Department of documentary and reference work of the Archives Committee of the Russian Federation shall certify documents issued by the central state archives of Russia;

(5) Archives bodies of autonomous formations and archive departments of krais and regions shall certify documents issued by archives subordinate to them;

(6) The Department of Procurator General's Office of the Russian Federation shall certify documents made through the channels of the bodies of prosecution.

St. Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Competent Authority: declared by the United Kingdom October 17, 1968, the Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Saint Helena: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Saint Helena which entered into force for Saint Helena April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: declared October 17, 1968. The Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Island of St. Helena and its Dependencies.

St. Kitts (Christopher): On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Saint Kitts which entered into force for Saint Kitts April 25, 1965. Competent authority declared October 17, 1968. Now independent, Saint Kitts and Nevis (formerly Saint Christopher and Nevis) acceded to the Convention on February 26, 1994. The Convention entered into force on December 14, 1994. Competent Authority: 1. The Attorney General; 2. The Solicitor General; 3. The Chief Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister; 4. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; or 5. The Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ministry of Legal Affairs, P.O. Box 186, Government Headquarters, St. Kitts-Nevis, West Indies, Tel: 809-465-2521.

Saint Lucia: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Saint Lucia which entered into force for Saint Lucia April 25, 1965. Achieved independence in 1979. On December 5, 2001, Saint Lucia acceded to the Convention in its own right. The Convention enters into force in Saint Lucia June 1, 2002. Competent Authority:

On accession, December 5, 2001, Saint Lucia designated the following competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1:

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs
The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs
The Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property
The Registrar of the Supreme Court
The Solicitor General

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Saint Vincent which entered into force for Saint Vincent April 25, 1965. St. Vincent achieved independence October 27, 1979 as St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Confirmation provided by local authorities to U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados (whose consular district includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines) that country considers itself bound by Convention. Competent Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, W.I., tel: 809-456-1111. Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards to Registrar's Office

Samoa: On January 18, 1999, Samoa signed the Convention. Samoa ratified the Convention July 15, 1999 and the Convention entered into force September 13, 1999. In accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Independent State of Samoa has designated as its competent authority: The Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.o. Box L1861, Apia, Samoa; telephone: 685-63333; fax: 685-21504.

San Marino: Acceded to Convention May 26, 1994. Convention entered into force February 13, 1995. Competent Authority: 1. The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Il Segretario di Stato per gli Affari Esteri della Repubblica di San Marino) or 2. a person delegated and officially authorized by him/her to sign and authenticate legal instruments and documents issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and other of the Republic's public bodies.

Seychelles: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Seychelles which entered into force for the Seychelles April 25, 1965. Now independent. Acceded to Convention June 9, 1978. Convention entered into force March 31, 1979. Competent Authority: The Registrar, Supreme Court, Victoria, Mahe

Slovakia: Accession - June 6, 2001; Enters into Force - December 20, 2001. With the following declaration:

"The Slovak Republic, under Article 6 of the Convention, designates for purposes of Article 3 of the Convention as authorities competent to issue the certificate the following:

1) The Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo spravodlivosti Slovenskej republiky) for:

a) public documents issued or certified by courts, notaries, hussiers de justice or other judicial officers;

b) translations executed by official (court appointed) translators;

2) The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo vnutra Slovenskej republiky) for public documents emanating from authorities within its jurisdiction with the exception of documents specified in point 6 lit. a) below;

3) The Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo srkolstva Slovenskej republiky) for public documents emanating from authorities within its jurisdiction;

4) The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo zdravotnictva Slovenskej republiky) for public documents emanating from authorities within its jurisdiction with the exception of documents specified in point 6 lit. b) below;

5) The General Headquarters of the Army of the Slovak Republic (Generalny stab Armady Slovenskej republiky) for public documents emanating from authorities within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic;

6) Office of the Regional Administration (krajsky urad) for:

a) documents from the Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages (matrika) with the exception of decisions on civil status;

b) documents issued by health facilities established by the Office of Regional Administration;

7) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo zahranicnych veci Slovenskej republiky) for any other public documents issued in the Slovak Republic not specified above."

Slovenia, Republic of: Entered into Force June 25, 1991. Competent Authority: Ministry of Justice and Administration, Republic of Slovenia

Solomon Islands: No confirmation issued by country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the British Solomon Islands Protectorate which entered into force April 25, 1965. The British Solomon Islands Protectorate achieved independence July 7, 1978 as the Solomon Islands. Competent Authority: Unknown.

South Africa: Entered into force August 3, 1994. Convention entered into force April 30, 1995. Competent Authority: 1. Any magistrate or additional magistrate. 2. Any registrar or assistant registrar of the Supreme Court of South Africa 3. Any person designated by the Director-General: Justice 4. Any person designated by the Director-General: Foreign Affairs

Spain: Entered into force September 25, 1978. Competent Authority: by a note to the depositary dated November 10, 1978, Spain notified a modification in the designated competent authorities: 1. For documents drawn up by competent judicial authorities or officials: the Secretaries of "Territorial Courts" (Secretarios de Gobierno de las Audiencias) or their deputies; 2. For documents authenticated by a notary public, or private documents where the signatures have been authenticated by a notary public: the President of the relevant Association of notaries public or the person legally responsible for its affairs; 3. For other public documents, excepting those issued by central administrative bodies: any of the officials referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, above; 4. For documents issued by authorities of the central administration: Head of the Central Section of the Ministry of Justice (Jefe de la Seccion Central de la Subsecretaria) Ministerios de Justicia Registro General c/ San Bernardo 45 28015 Madrid, Spain, tel: 34-1-390-2000

Suriname: Extended by the Kingdom of the Netherlands May 16, 1967. Achieved independence November 25, 1975. Suriname declared on October 29, 1976 that it considers itself bound by the Convention. Effective date of accession is date of independence. Competent Authority: Registrar at the Court of Justice of Suriname (Griffier by het Hof van Justitie in Suriname)

Swaziland: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Swaziland which entered into force for Swaziland April 25, 1965. Achieved independence September 6, 1968. Swaziland declared on July 3, 1978 that it considers itself bound by the Convention. Competent Authority: 1. The Deputy Prime Minister; 2. The Attorney General; 3. The Registrar of the High Court; 4. The Head of Department not specified in paragraphs 2 and 3; 5. A District Commissioner; 6. A Magistrate; 7. Such other officer as the Deputy Prime Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, specify.

Sweden: Signed the Convention March 2, 1999; ratified the Convention March 2, 1999. Entered into force: May 1, 1999. Competent Authority: The instrument of ratification contains the following declaration: "The Government of Sweden declares, in accordance with Article 6, that the competent authorities to issue certificates are all Notaries Public and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Switzerland: Competent Authority: (a) Federal Authorities: The Federal Office (La Chandellerie federale); (b) Cantonal Authorities: Canton of.State Office (Die Staatskanzlei): State Office (Die Staatskanzlei): Aargau, Basel-Stadt, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, Thurgau, Zug, Zurich.

State Office (Die Staatskanzlei): Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Uri.

State Office (Die Staatskanzlei/La Chancellerie d'Etat): Bern, Freiburg, Wallis.

Government Office (Die Regierungskanzlei): Glarus.

Office of the Land (Die Landeskanslei): Basel-Landschaft.

State Office (La Chancellerie d'Etat): Geneva, Neuchatel, Vaud.

Canton Office (Die Kantonskanzlei): Appenzell Z.-Rh.

Council Office (Die Ratskanzlei): Appenzell I.-Rh.

State Office (Die Standeskanzlei/La Cancelleria dello Stato): Graubuden.

State Office (La Chancelleria dello Stato): Ticino.

Tonga: Tonga declared on October 28, 1971 that it considers itself bound by the Convention. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Tonga which entered into force for Tonga April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: The Secretary to Government, Prime Minister's Office, Nuku'alofa

Trinidad and Tobago: Signed the Convention October 28, 1999, ratifed or acceded to the Convention May 15, 2000 for which the Convention entered into force July 14, 2000. Competent Authority: By Note dated 27 July 2000, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago informed the depositary of the following: "(...)the Registrar General (in Port-of-Spain) has been designated the competent authority to affix the Convention Apostille. By Note dated 9 March 2001, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago informed the depositary of the following:

"... further to Note ... informing that the Registrar General has been designated the competent authority to affix the Convention Apostille, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Enterprise Development, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, have also been designated competent authorities to issue certificates of authenticity under Article 3 of the Convention. Each competent authority may delegate his function to a deputy or deputies as circumstances warrant.

Turkey: Competent Authority: 1. Administrative documents: a. In Provinces: Governor, Deputy-Governor, Director of Juridical Matters; b. In towns: Vice-Governor; 2. Judicial Documents: Presidencies of the Judicial Commissions where the high criminal courts exist.

Turks and Caicos Islands: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the Turks and Caicos Islands which entered into force for the Turks and Caicos Islands April 25, 1965. Competent Authority: The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to Ellice Islands which entered into force April 25, 1965. The Ellice Islands achieved independence as Tuvalu on October 1, 1978. Competent Authority: Unknown.

United Kingdom: Competent Authority: Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London SW1, United Kingdom

Vanuatu: Now Independent. No confirmation issued by newly independent country that Convention is deemed to apply. In notes of April 1, 1970, the British and French Embassies notified the depositary that the respective governments have reached an agreement whereby he extension of the Convention to the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides with effect from February 15, 1966 has been confirmed, and the competent authorities to issue the certificate designated. On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to the New Hebrides which entered into force for the New Hebrides April 25, 1965. The New Hebrides achieved independence on July 30, 1980 and became the Republic of Vanuatu. Competent Authority: Unknown.

Venezuela: Signed the Convention July 1, 1998; ratified the Convention January 15, 1999. Entered into force: March 16, 1999. Competent Authority: Designation of the competent authorities to issue the certificate in accordance with Article 6, paragraph 1: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate General of Consular Affairs. The address is:

Embajadora Edna Figueira
Directora General de Relaciones Consulares
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
Torre MRE, Piso 6, Conde a Carmelitas, Caracas
Telephone: (582) 862-1145

Yugoslavia, former: (Serbia-Montenegro): The former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia became a Party to the Convention on 24 January 1965. Successor states which have confirmed the continued application of the Convention include: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), and Slovenia. See the listings under each of these countries for information about their competent authorities. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) has NOT confirmed the continued applicability of the Convention in Serbia-Montenegro.

Zimbabwe: On February 24, 1965, the United Kingdom extended the Convention to South Rhodesia which entered into force for South Rhodesia April 25, 1965. Achieved independence as Republic of Zimbabwe April 18, 1980. No confirmation Convention continues to apply Competent Authority: Unknown.

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