Foreign Authentication

The purpose of authentications is to verify for foreign governments that a Virginia Official is in good standing. These officials include Notary Publics, Clerks, and Deputy Clerks of Virginia Courts, Registrars, and Deputy Registrars of the Department of Health and the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. Authentications of a notarized document is required for conducting international business by individuals and corporations in Virginia.  Authentications are not performed by the Office of Vital Records.  Your vital record must be mailed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth to receive authentication.

For instructions on authentication from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, please visit the below website:

• www.commonwealth.virginia.gov
• Authentications Department
  Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
  1111 East Broad Street, 1st Floor
  Richmond, Virginia 23219
  804.786.2441
• authentication@governor.virginia.gov