New digital document program enables quicker delivery and secure authentication of documents for use abroad
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State has issued its first digital apostille to authenticate a document as part of a pilot program with the City University of Seattle and @Gov, Inc., a Virginia-based company.
An apostille is an authentication, similar to notarization, issued to documents for use in countries participating in the 1961 Hague Convention treaty that simplifies the legalization of documents for use abroad, including FBI background checks, medical certificates, and transcripts.
The digital apostille authenticated a diploma, and was issued on behalf of an international student who graduated from the City University of Seattle.
International students’ home countries require diplomas to be recognized in their country, and a digitally authenticated diploma improves both processing time and security. Processing time for a paper diploma and apostille can extend to four or six weeks. With the new digital apostille, or e-apostille, certification can be available in days, not weeks.
“I am so excited for this digital option to be available to communities across Washington, even beyond the classroom,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “This allows quicker processing times and reduced expense, and it’s verifiably secure and encrypted.”
Launched in February 2024, this e-apostille pilot program allows the Corporations and Charities division of the Office of the Secretary of State to provide a digital version of the apostille using technology provided by @Gov. Washington is the seventh state to provide this service, joining Montana, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Utah, and Minnesota. @Gov has digitally certified