Documents issued or notarized in Mississippi are apostilled by the Notary Division (Apostille/Authentication) (Mississippi Secretary of State). The office authenticates the signatures of Mississippi public officials — registrars, court clerks, state agencies — and Mississippi-commissioned notaries public, then attaches an apostille for Hague Convention countries or an authentication certificate for all others.
Issues apostilles for Hague countries and certificates of authority for non-Hague countries (1 Miss. Admin. Code rules).
Where to file
| Secretary of State, P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136, Attention: Notary/Apostille/Authentication | |
| In person | 660 North Street, Jackson, MS 39202 (courier address; office relocated here from 125 S. Congress St in 2026) Office page does not publish apostille counter hours; a third-party source reports same-day while-you-wait service. Confirm by phone at 601-359-1615. |
| Request form | Official request form |
| Official page | https://www.sos.ms.gov/node/104 |
How to get a Mississippi apostille
- Confirm the document is a Mississippi public document
The Notary Division (Apostille/Authentication) authenticates signatures of Mississippi officials and Mississippi-commissioned notaries only. Documents from other states go to their own state; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
- Prepare the request
Complete the request form (official form), naming the destination country so the office issues an apostille (Hague country) or an authentication certificate (non-Hague country).
- Submit the document, fee and return envelope
Submit by mail to Secretary of State, P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136, Attention: Notary/Apostille/Authentication; in person at 660 North Street, Jackson, MS 39202 (courier address; office relocated here from 125 S. Congress St in 2026) (Office page does not publish apostille counter hours; a third-party source reports same-day while-you-wait service. Confirm by phone at 601-359-1615.). The fee is $5 per document.
- Receive the apostille
Processing: not published; check the official site. Keep the apostille attached and translate afterward if the destination requires it.
Fees and processing time
Fee: $5 per document. Check or money order payable to 'Secretary of State'.
Processing time: Not published by the office — check the official page for the current processing date.
Documents Mississippi will apostille
- Documents notarized by a Mississippi notary public
- Documents bearing the signature of a Mississippi public official
- Certified vital records
Not accepted or commonly rejected
- Notary-certified copies of birth/death certificates, driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards
- Out-of-state documents
Notarized documents
A notary who is not an employee of the issuing government agency may not certify or authenticate copies of official government documents (birth/death certificates, driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards). The Secretary of State may refuse authentication if sought for an unlawful or improper purpose.
Mississippi does not require county clerk certification of notarized documents before the state apostille.
General rules: notarized documents and apostilles.
Birth, marriage and death certificates
Certified copies from the issuing agency are required; notaries cannot certify copies of vital records.
See the document guides for birth, marriage and death certificates.
Mississippi-specific points
- Jackson office moved from Capital Towers (125 S. Congress St) to 660 North Street in March 2026; older guides still list the old address.
- Mark packages 'Attention: Notary/Apostille/Authentication' or they may be misrouted.
- FedEx/UPS return only if you enclose a prepaid return envelope; otherwise returned by regular mail.
- Request form (Form 11) is dated 10/08 and still in use.
Federal documents and non-Hague destinations
Mississippi does not apostille federal documents. An FBI background check, Certificate of Naturalization, DD-214, IRS letter or Social Security letter issued to a Mississippi resident is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — see the federal section. For destinations outside the Hague Convention, the Mississippi authentication certificate must then be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and legalized at the destination's embassy (how the chain works).
Frequently asked questions
How much does an apostille cost in Mississippi?
The Notary Division (Apostille/Authentication) charges $5 per document. Check or money order payable to ‘Secretary of State’.
How long does a Mississippi apostille take?
The office does not publish a standard turnaround; contact the office or check the official site for current processing dates.
Can I get an apostille in person in Mississippi?
Yes. Office page does not publish apostille counter hours; a third-party source reports same-day while-you-wait service. Confirm by phone at 601-359-1615.
Does Mississippi require county clerk certification before an apostille?
No. Notarized documents go directly to the Notary Division (Apostille/Authentication) provided the notary is commissioned in Mississippi and the notarial certificate is complete.
Where do I apostille a federal document issued to a Mississippi resident?
Federal documents — FBI background checks, naturalization certificates, DD-214s, IRS letters — are never apostilled by Mississippi. They go to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications. See the federal section.
