How to Get an Apostille in Mississippi

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

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Who issues apostilles in Mississippi?

Apostilles in Mississippi are issued by the Secretary of State through the Notary Division in Jackson. The office authenticates the signature and seal of a Mississippi notary or public official, issuing an apostille for Hague Convention countries and a certification for the rest. It handles Mississippi documents only, so a document issued or notarized in another state goes to that state's authority. A private document such as a power of attorney must be notarized by a Mississippi notary first, while vital records and court records must be certified copies bearing the proper official's signature; the office authenticates that signature rather than the contents of your document.

How much does a Mississippi apostille cost?

A Mississippi apostille costs $5 per document, one of the lower fees in the country. Make checks or money orders payable to the Secretary of State, and card payment is also accepted. As always, the $5 is the state charge only, and any private service adds its own handling fee on top, which is the larger part of the flat rates you often see advertised. Because the process is inexpensive and straightforward, Mississippi is one of the easier states to handle yourself when the document is already properly notarized or certified. Make sure you have the current fee before submitting your request.

How long does a Mississippi apostille take?

A Mississippi apostille at the counter in Jackson is handled the same day, and a mailed request is commonly ready in a few business days once it arrives, not counting transit in each direction. Include a completed information sheet naming the destination country, your payment, and a prepaid return envelope so the finished document comes back promptly. If a foreign deadline is firm, the same-day counter option makes an in-person visit the safest choice when you can reach the office. Remember to allow separate time to obtain any certified vital record first, since that comes from another office.

Can Mississippi apostille an FBI background check?

No, Mississippi 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 Jackson means it comes back unprocessed. The Mississippi Secretary of State authenticates documents issued or notarized in Mississippi, such as a Mississippi birth certificate or a power of attorney notarized by a Mississippi notary. Anything federal, or issued by a different state, follows a separate route.

By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services, Apostilles & Authentications (sos.ms.gov). Fees and office addresses change, so verify them on the official page first.