The apostille only certifies that the signature or stamp shown on the document was issued by a public official in the exercise of his duties, but does not certify the validity of its content.

The certifications and regulations division under the Assistant Secretary for Services of the Department of State is in charge of authenticating the signatures of public officials in documents that will be used outside of Puerto Rico and this service is also offered in some regional offices of the Department.

Namely, some of the documents to certify are:

• Criminal Record Certificate, Death, Marriage and Birth
• Diplomas
• Scriptures
• Powers
• Credits Transcript
• Transfer of corpses, birds, animals and medicines

How are documents that will be used outside of Puerto Rico certified?

You must go to the Division of Certifications and Regulations in the 1st. Floor of the Royal Administration Building with the following:

• Document to be certified, in original.
• Acquire Internal Revenue Seal of $3.00 for each document to be certified.

Procedure by postal mail

You must send the Certifications Division by postal mail with the following:

• Document to be certified, in original.
• Acquire Stamp through Digital Collection by calling 787.291.9292 or 787.354.9469.
• Pre-addressed envelope with the stamps required for the return of the apostilled document.
• Send to the following address:

Department of State
Certification and Filing of Regulations Division
PO Box 9023271
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3271