Important
July 8th, 2026
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor now issues a universal certificate format for international document authentications. This update replaces the previous practice of issuing separate Apostille and Certificate of Authentication formats.
Utah now uses the same certificate format for documents intended for international use, regardless of whether the destination country is a Contracting Party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. When the destination country participates in the Convention, the certificate functions as an Apostille. When the destination country is not a member of the Convention, the certificate functions as a Certificate of Authentication.
Requirements for documents intended for use abroad are determined by the receiving country or institution and may vary depending on the document type. Applicants are responsible for confirming the receiving authority’s requirements, including any rules regarding document format, notarization, or age of the underlying document. The Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office cannot guarantee acceptance of a document by a foreign authority once an Apostille or Authentication has been issued. If a new Apostille or Authentication is required due to receiving-country requirements or issues with the underlying document, a new request must be submitted and standard processing fees will apply.
For destinations that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, the certificate is issued as an Apostille consistent with the Convention’s model. For destinations that are not parties to the Convention, the certificate is issued as a Certificate of Authentication, and additional legalization requirements may apply depending on the receiving country.
https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/specialised-sections/apostille