Zach’s Backup FAQs
Browse the FAQs below for quick answers about processing times, appointments, and other important details to help you prepare your request.
General & Digital Authentications
An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office that verifies the origin of a public document for use in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If the country is not a Hague member, it acts as a Certificate of Authentication.
Utah uses a single certificate to cover both scenarios:
If the destination country is a Hague member, it acts as an Apostille.
If the country is not a Hague member, it acts as a Certificate of Authentication.
Documents used inside the United States do not require an Apostille or Authentication.
These certificates verify the origin of documents (such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, court judgments, and notarized documents). They do not confirm or validate the contents of the document—only its official origin.
Utah now offers Digital Apostilles, also known as e-Apostilles. These are issued electronically and may be verified online through our official e-Register. Digital Apostilles are legally valid and are delivered more quickly than paper versions.
ApostilleXpress is a secure online platform used by the Utah Office of the Lieutenant Governor to process requests. It allows customers to submit requests online, upload documents, choose delivery options, and receive status notifications.
Authority & Responsibility:
ApostilleXpress only handles submission and delivery. All Apostilles and Authentications are issued exclusively by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the State’s designated Competent Authority. The use of ApostilleXpress does not change Utah’s legal authority or responsibilities.
Delivery: Each recipient will receive an email with secure instructions on how to download their e-Apostille through Utah’s approved e-Register.
Verification: Each e-Apostille includes a unique Certificate Number. Requestors and recipients can verify the document by accessing the e-Register and searching for that number, confirming the Apostille’s authenticity and validity.
Yes. Under the Hague Apostille Convention’s Electronic Apostille Programme (e-APP), an e-Apostille holds the same legal force and recognition as its paper equivalent. It simply modernizes how the Authentication is delivered.
Members of the Hague convention cannot reject an Apostille based solely on electronic format. Because verification is completed through the issuing State’s official e-Register, recipients can independently confirm authenticity.
Unlike paper Apostilles, e-Apostilles can be securely shared with multiple authorized recipients at once, reducing the need for duplicate processing and costs.
An Apostille does not expire under the Hague Convention. In practice, e-Apostilles may be re-used for up to 5 years.
Yes, Utah continues to offer both options. To request a physical document, simply select a physical delivery option on your request form.
Processing, Appointments & Logistics
Standard processing: Typically 3-5 business days once documents are received by our office (does not include mailing transit time).
Please note that documents are not processed on weekends or state holidays.
Yes, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee:
Same Day Service: Processed within 2 hours. Available for in-person drop-off or mailed delivery (if a prepaid FedEx return envelope is included).
Next Day Service: Processed by the next business day
To ensure the fastest service and guarantee your time, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment.
priIf booking in advance isn’t possible for you, we also accommodate walk-ins during our open hours between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM daily.
Yes. If someone else is picking up your documents, please ensure they know the name on the request form or the receipt number so we can provide them with the correct files.
Cash, check, and all major credit cards are accepted. Please make checks or money orders payable to: State of Utah.
Document Requirements & Eligibility
The authorities in the destination country receiving the documents must specify which documents require an Apostille or Authentication. Our office cannot determine this for you.
Please make sure that the notarized document includes:
- The original document with original signature(s) (not photocopied).
- A complete and compliant notarial certificate.
No.
However, with over 20,000 notaries public in the state, you should be able to easily find someone who can notarize the document prior to submission.
No.
We cannot authenticate documents produced by other states, nor documents notarized by an out-of-state notary. You will need to contact the Secretary of State or Lieutenant Governor’s office in the state where the document was issued or notarized.
No.
FBI background checks and certified documents from Federal Agencies must go to the U.S. Department of State. Federal court documents should be authenticated by the Federal Court that issued them.
No.
The Lieutenant Governor’s office does not translate documents, nor do we require documents to be translated into English to be processed.
Yes, but only if the notary does not attest to the contents of the document (unless completed by a notary who is also a licensed attorney).
The U.S. Department of State concurs with Competent Authorities’ decisions not to provide Apostilles for notarial acts that go beyond the authorities granted to notaries within their respective states.
Utah’s Public Verification Tool
The ABC’s of Apostilles (PDF)