Great Seal Authentication - Administrative Services
Authentication Services
The Office of the Georgia Secretary of State provides authentication services for public documents issued in Georgia that are intended for foreign use in Non-Hague Convention countries. These documents may include birth and marriage certificates, statements of marital status, articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, certificates of merger, powers of attorney, diplomas and degrees, school transcripts (verified by the school registrar), property deeds, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) background checks.
This office does not handle Apostille certifications. Please Contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerk’s Authority at (404) 327-6023 to find out the requirements for obtaining an Apostille certification - Hague Apostille Country List (gsccca.org).
Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority
1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
Phone: (404) 327-6023
Documents that are intended for countries not participating in the Hague Convention require the Great Seal, which is administered by the Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
Please review the list of countries operating as members of the Hague Convention to ensure you are bringing your documents to the correct office.
How to Obtain a Great Seal Certification
A fee of $10 is required for each document. In-person payments may be made by money order, check, or credit/debit card. Please note that cash is not accepted.
Documents may be submitted in person at our Atlanta office or sent by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS.
Requirements for Documents Sent by Mail to Our Office:
When sending documents by mail to our office, please ensure that you include the following:
- Payment:
- Payment must be made by check or money order.
- Cover Letter:
- Include a cover letter clearly stating the name of the country where the document(s) will be used. This information is required to
properly authenticate your document(s).
- Include a cover letter clearly stating the name of the country where the document(s) will be used. This information is required to
- Contact Information:
- Provide your name, phone number, and/or email address where you can be reached during normal business hours.
- Return Envelope:
- Include a self-addressed, prepaid or stamped envelope that is at least 9.5" x 12" in size for the return of your documents.
- If you prefer your documents returned by courier, you must enclose a prepaid air bill.
- Please note: We cannot send documents using collect on delivery (COD) or cash-on-delivery services.
Mailing Address:
Office of Secretary of State
Elections Division - Authentications
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE
Suite 802 - Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Email: [email protected]
Walk-in tips
Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The office does not take appointments.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR CURRENT TIMELINE FOR GREAT SEALS SERVICES IS 3 TO 5 BUSINESS DAYS.
We are the same twin tower building as the Georgia State MARTA Station. However, unless you have a MARTA pass, you cannot enter through the station. There is a roofed walkway on Martin Luther King Jr Drive that leads to the entrance of our building from the street.
Please note that anyone entering the Floyd Twin Towers Building will be required to present identification at the security post, such as a valid driver’s license.
Office of Secretary of State
Elections Division - Authentications
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Suite 802 - Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
By MARTA
Georgia State Station, upstairs to exit the station and then down the escalator and to the right for the West Tower security desk.
By Car
Park at the Pete Hackney parking deck
- Address: 162 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE, Atlanta
- Fee: $10
- Directions: follow the signs for the bridge to the Floyd Twin Towers, cross the lobby and go to the West Tower security desk