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International · Authentication

Apostille for a Certificate of Good Standing

Using your U.S. company abroad — opening a foreign bank account, registering a subsidiary, bidding on an overseas contract — usually means getting a Certificate of Good Standing apostilled. The apostille attaches to the certificate, so the first step is always to obtain the certificate itself.

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Order of operations

Three steps, in order

  1. 1

    Get the Certificate of Good Standing

    Obtain the certificate from the Secretary of State. The apostille certifies this document, so it must exist first. This is the part we handle, from $50 with the state fee included.

  2. 2

    Attach the apostille

    Submit the certificate to the state's authentication or apostille office (typically the same Secretary of State). They verify the signature and seal and attach the apostille. Fees and turnaround vary by state.

  3. 3

    If needed, legalize for non-Hague countries

    If the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, continue with U.S. Department of State authentication and then the destination country's embassy or consulate.

FAQ

Apostille questions

What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it is recognized in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention. For a Certificate of Good Standing, the apostille confirms that the Secretary of State signature and seal on the certificate are genuine, so a foreign bank, registry, or government will accept it.
When do I need a Certificate of Good Standing apostilled?
Common cases: opening a foreign bank account for your U.S. company, registering a branch or subsidiary abroad, qualifying for an international tender, or satisfying a foreign partner's due diligence. The requesting party will tell you they need the document 'apostilled' or 'legalized.'
Apostille vs. authentication (legalization) — what is the difference?
If the destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you get an apostille (a single-step certification). If it is not, you need authentication (also called legalization), which is a longer chain: state authentication, then the U.S. Department of State, then the destination country's embassy or consulate.
What is the correct order of operations?
1) Obtain the Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State (this is what we do). 2) Submit that certificate to the Secretary of State's authentication/apostille division (usually the same state) to have the apostille attached. 3) If the destination is not a Hague country, continue to U.S. Department of State authentication and then the consulate. Always get the certificate first; the apostille attaches to it.
Does GetGoodStanding attach the apostille?
We retrieve the Certificate of Good Standing itself, which is step one and the prerequisite for any apostille. Apostille processing is handled by the state's authentication office. If you need help with the apostille step, email support@getgoodstanding.com and we will point you to the right state office and requirements.

Start with the certificate.

Get your Certificate of Good Standing from 47 states and DC, then attach the apostille. From $50, state fee included.

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