Documents can be authenticated in one of two ways

By mail

Step one: Gather your documents
Step two: Gather the required items, which are the cover letter, payment, and return mailer.
Step three: Mail your documents and required items to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Step four: Wait to receive your documents back

In person appointment

Step one: Make an appointment via the online scheduling system
Step two: Come to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth with documents properly prepared
Step three: Wait while your documents are authenticated

About Authentications

The purpose of an authentication by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is to verify to foreign governments that certain Virginia officials are listed in good standing with the Commonwealth of Virginia and have issued or notarized your documents correctly.

Cover Letter

Status Update

If it has been 10 days since you have sent your documents and you would like a status update, you may email the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth

When checking the status, you must provide the following:

Full name
Mailing address
Destination country or embassy

Contact Information

Address
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Authentication Division
1111 East Broad St, 1^st Floor
Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-692-0114

Email: notary@governor.virginia.gov

Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Authentications