German Document Apostille in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

German missions in the United States state the position plainly: they cannot issue apostilles. An apostille is only ever issued by a designated authority of the country that produced the document. For a U.S. record used in Germany that means the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or the U.S. Department of State for federal records.

Quick facts

German offices almost always want a translation into German alongside the apostilled document, and often one made by a translator sworn before a German court. Ask the receiving office which it accepts before paying for a translation done here.

Fees breakdown

Apostille the original first and translate afterwards, so the translation covers the apostille too. Doing it the other way round means paying twice.

How to prepare a document for Germany

1. Identify the issuing authority, which determines who apostilles the document.
2. Order a certified copy from that office rather than using a photocopy.
3. Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary’s signature.
4. File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or with the U.S. Department of State for federal records.
5. Arrange the German translation once the apostille is attached.

Required documents

• Original certified copy, unaltered, with signature and seal.
• Completed authentication request for that state, plus payment.
• Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
• Photo ID for in-person service.

What the missions do instead

They certify signatures and copies, issue life certificates for German pension payments, forward requests for a German certificate of conduct, handle service of documents between the two countries, and issue transport permits for remains.

Additional notes

German documents going the other way

Apostilles on German public documents are issued inside Germany by the competent regional authority, which differs for administrative, judicial and notarial records.

Certificate of conduct

A German certificate of conduct is issued by the Federal Office of Justice. Missions help with the request and the signature certification, but do not issue the certificate themselves.

Life certificates

Recipients of German pensions are asked once a year to have a life certificate signed. Missions certify that signature, and this is one of the most common counter services in the network.

Order extra copies

German offices keep what you send. Two or three certified copies at the start avoid restarting the whole chain from abroad.