How to Get an Apostille in Kentucky

Educational information, not legal advice. Fees, addresses and processing times reflect the Kentucky Secretary of State and can change. Confirm current details on the official sos.ky.gov page before you mail anything.

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Who issues apostilles in Kentucky?

Apostilles in Kentucky are issued by the Secretary of State through its Authentications and Apostilles office in Frankfort. The office authenticates the signature and seal of a Kentucky notary or public official, issuing an apostille for Hague Convention countries and a certification for the rest. It handles Kentucky documents only, so a document issued or notarized in another state must go to that state's authority. A private document such as a power of attorney has to be notarized by a Kentucky notary first, while a vital record must carry the signature of the current state registrar; the office authenticates that official's signature rather than the contents of your document.

How much does a Kentucky apostille cost?

A Kentucky apostille costs $5 per document, one of the lowest fees in the country, and that single fee applies regardless of how many pages the document has. Payment is by check or money order payable to the Kentucky Secretary of State, or by credit card. As always, the $5 is the state charge only, and a private service adds its own handling on top, which is the larger part of any flat rate you are quoted. Kentucky is a good example of a state where doing it yourself is inexpensive when the document is already correctly notarized or certified. Always confirm the up-to-date fee before filing, since it can change.

How long does a Kentucky apostille take?

A Kentucky apostille at the Frankfort counter can be handled the same day, which puts Kentucky among the states where a personal visit is worth it, and a mailed request is commonly processed in about three business days once it arrives, not counting transit in each direction. Include a prepaid return envelope so the finished document comes back promptly and securely, since you are mailing originals. If a foreign deadline is tight, the combination of same-day counter service and a low fee makes Kentucky one of the easier states to handle without a courier, provided you can reach Frankfort.

How do you get a Kentucky apostille, step by step?

You prepare the notarized or certified document, complete the request form, and submit it with the $5 fee. The route below is the standard process.

1. Get the right document: a certified copy with the current registrar's signature, or a Kentucky-notarized document.
2. Complete the request form: the Kentucky Apostille/Authentication form, naming the destination country.
3. Prepare payment and return postage: $5 per document, plus a prepaid return envelope.
4. Submit in person or by mail: to the Authentications and Apostilles office in Frankfort.
5. Receive it: same day at the counter, or about three business days by mail.

Can Kentucky apostille an FBI background check?

No, Kentucky cannot apostille an FBI background check, because it is a federal document authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Sending a federal report to Frankfort means it comes back unprocessed. The Kentucky Secretary of State authenticates documents issued or notarized in Kentucky, such as a Kentucky birth certificate signed by the current registrar or a power of attorney notarized by a Kentucky notary. Anything issued federally or by another state is handled by that authority, not here.

By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Kentucky Secretary of State, Authentications and Apostilles (sos.ky.gov). Always confirm the up-to-date fee and office address before submitting.