Authentication Services

The Authentication Section of the Georgia  Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for providing authentication services for public documents originated in Georgia that will be used in foreign countries. These documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, statements of marital status, articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, certificates of merger, powers of attorney, diplomas/degrees, school transcripts (school registrar verification), deeds, and GBI background checks.

This office does not handle Apostille. 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.  

Instructions for getting a Great Seal certification

The fee is $10 per document. It can be paid by money order or check payable to the Secretary of State. If you bring the documents in person, you also have the option to pay by credit or debit card. 

You can come by the office address below or send in documents there by U.S. Postal Service or expedited mail services.  

If sending your documents, enclose: 

  • payment by check or money order. 
  • a cover letter stating the name of the country in which the document(s) will be used. The country name is needed in order to authenticate the document correctly. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached during normal business hours.  
  • a self-addressed stamped 9.5" by 12" (or larger) envelope for return of the documents. If you want the documents to be returned by a courier service, you must enclose a prepaid air bill with your order; no collect or cash-on-delivery (COD) documents can be sent from this office. 

Office of Secretary of State 
Elections Division - Authentications 
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE 
Suite 802 - Floyd West Tower 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 
Phone: (470) 312-2743 
Fax: (404) 651-9531 | Email: [email protected]

Walk-in tips

The Secretary of State office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The office does not take appointments. 

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 

Common questions

These answers will explain what types of documents require Great Seal authentication and how to get it.

Contact

Address

2 MLK Jr. Drive
Suite 802 Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334