Notarizations & Apostilles
The University of Cincinnati Office of the Registrar provides notarization services for documents that verify a University of Cincinnati academic record. If your documents will be used outside the United States, you may also need an apostille from the Ohio Secretary of State.
General Information
The University of Cincinnati notarizes eligible University academic documents, and the Ohio Secretary of State issues apostilles and authentications.
Because requirements vary depending on the receiving organization and destination country, make sure you confirm the required type of document and verification before submitting your request.
Important Info Before You Begin
- Ask the organization receiving your documents what they require. Confirm whether they require:
- A notarized document
- An apostille
- An authentication
- A certified copy
- A specific type of transcript or diploma
- Confirm the destination country. The destination country may determine whether an apostille or authentication is required.
- Make sure your degree has been conferred. The University of Cincinnati cannot verify a degree that has not yet been conferred.
- Allow sufficient processing and mailing time. The University requires adequate time to verify and notarize documents and does not offer walk-in notarization services.
Notarizations
A notarization is the process by which a notary verifies the authenticity of a signature or the execution of a document. For University of Cincinnati academic documents, the Office of the Registrar can notarize documents that verify information contained in your UC academic record.
The Registrar's Office does not notarize documents that are unrelated to a University of Cincinnati academic record.
Apostilles
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Ohio Secretary of State that verifies the signature and seal of an Ohio official or notary public. An apostille is generally used when a document will be presented in another country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention.
An apostille does not verify or validate the contents of the document. It verifies the authenticity of the signature or seal on the document.
What Can Be Notarized
The Office of the Registrar can notarize documents that verify information contained in your University of Cincinnati academic record.
Common requests include:
- Official University of Cincinnati transcripts
- University of Cincinnati ceremonial diplomas
- Replacement diplomas
- Other eligible academic documents that verify information contained in your UC record
Requests for documents that are not related to your University of Cincinnati academic record will not be processed.
Still unsure? Here's a Quick Guide
| If you need... | Contact/Complete |
|---|---|
| An official UC transcript notarized | Order a Transcript |
| A paper diploma notarized | Order an Additional Paper Diploma |
| A UC academic document notarized | Submit a Notarization Request |
| An apostille for an international document | Contact the Ohio Secretary of State |
| An authentication for a country that does not participate in the Hague Convention | Contact Ohio Secretary of State and potentially Contact the U.S. Department of State |
| Information about what the receiving organization requires | Contact the organization directly |
Steps for Submitting a Notarization Request
- Obtain the document you need notarized. For example, order an official transcript or replacement diploma and have it sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.
- Mail your hard-copy document(s) to:
Office of the Registrar
c/o Notarizations
PO Box 210060
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0060
- Complete the University of Cincinnati Notarization Request form.
- Watch your email. You will receive an email confirming that your request has been received. A separate email will be sent once your notarization has been processed.