Does the document qualify?

This is the most important step in the whole legalization procedure. Different states have different requirements. Even counties within the same state have different requirements. Nassau county is one of the few counties in the State of New York that requires that the document is recent (issued within the last 12 months). So if John's document is older that that, he will need to get a new certified copy of the certificate. Secondly, the document has to be a certified copy with a raised seal. Plain copies cannot be authenticated.

Here is an image of a death certificate that is eligible for authentication.

What is next?

If the document qualifies, John can take it to Nassau County Clerk's office for authentication of the local Registrar's signature, and then to the Office of the New York Secretary of State for an apostille. As Italy joined the Apostille Convention, no further legalization is required, and the document will be valid in Italy.

You can call us at (646) 267-1140 with any questions about New York apostille process and and the requirements for apostilling localy issued New York death certificates. We are available Monday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to answer your questions. 

Use our apostille services!

Or, John can email a copy of the death certificate to us for a free evaluation, and then mail the original death certificate to us. We will take care of both the county clerk's authentication and an apostille for Italy.

New York apostille for a death certificate (issued in Nassau county): price, processing time, order form:

New York Apostille Order Form (PDF file)