International adoptions usually need the U.S. paperwork apostilled so the other country accepts it. Which office issues the apostille depends on who signed each document: Oregon documents go to the Oregon Secretary of State, and federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
Which adoption documents need an apostille
- Home study reports and letters from your adoption agency
- Birth and marriage certificates of the adoptive parents
- Police or background clearance letters
- Medical letters and employment or financial letters
- Court adoption decrees, for finalized adoptions
- Powers of attorney for an agency or representative abroad
Your agency or the foreign authority will give you the exact list. Follow it closely, since many countries reject a dossier with one missing or out-of-date document.
Step 1: Get each document signed correctly
Letters from agencies, doctors, employers and banks must be signed in front of a notary. Vital records must be original certified copies from the Oregon State Registrar or the county. Court decrees need the circuit court clerk’s certification. A plain photocopy cannot be apostilled.
Step 2: Send each document to the right office
| Document | Apostille issued by |
|---|---|
| Oregon-notarized letters and home studies | Oregon Secretary of State, $10 each |
| Oregon birth, marriage and court records | Oregon Secretary of State |
| Records from another state | That state’s Secretary of State |
| FBI checks and USCIS documents | U.S. Department of State |
Step 3: Translation and legalization
If the country is not in the Hague Apostille Convention, documents also need legalization at its embassy or consulate. If the country wants translations, ask whether they must be done before or after the apostille. See translate before or after the apostille.
Tips for a smooth dossier
- Keep each document’s date close to submission. Many countries accept documents only for 6 to 12 months.
- Use the exact names that appear on passports.
- Get everything notarized in one appointment to keep dates consistent. A mobile notary can come to you.
See also why notarizing adoption documents matters and our Oregon apostille guide.
FAQ
Can I apostille a copy of an adoption decree?
Only a certified copy issued by the court clerk can be apostilled. Order one from the circuit court that granted the adoption.
How much does an Oregon apostille cost?
The Oregon Secretary of State charges $10 per document. Notary, courier and service fees are separate.
Who apostilles the FBI background check for an adoption dossier?
The U.S. Department of State, because the FBI check is a federal document.
Need help? Request an apostille quote or call (971) 394-4152. Office notarization is $10 per signature in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego and Vancouver, WA.
Official sources: Oregon Secretary of State: Authenticating Documents FAQ and U.S. Department of State: Authenticate Your Document.