Federal vs. State: Pennsylvania Specifics
The Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg handles all apostille and authentication requests for documents originating in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania requires that notarized documents bear the signature of a Pennsylvania-commissioned notary public, and the notary's commission must be verifiable through the Department of State. Vital records from the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records must be certified copies. A unique requirement in Pennsylvania is that certain court documents, including divorce decrees and adoption records, must carry a certification from the Prothonotary of the issuing county court before the state will issue an apostille.
Pennsylvania Apostille Services
Trusted document authentication for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. Direct submissions to the Pennsylvania Department of State in Harrisburg.
- Academic Credentials: Apostilles for diplomas and transcripts from Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, and other Pennsylvania institutions for international students.
- Medical Licensing: Authentication of medical board certifications and nursing licenses for healthcare professionals relocating internationally.
- Estate Documents: Processing powers of attorney, wills, and probate documents through the Prothonotary system for international estate administration.
| Document Type | Required Step | Est. Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Vital Records | Division of Vital Records Cert. | 3-5 Days |
| Allegheny County Corporate | PA Notary Public | 2-4 Days |
| Montgomery County Court | Prothonotary Certification | 4-6 Days |