Below is a general overview of countries (and some territories) that have implemented or partially implemented the Electronic Apostille Program (e-APP) as of the most recent information publicly available from the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). Because participation is voluntary and frequently expanding, it is essential to check the official HCCH e-APP webpage or the competent authority in each jurisdiction for the latest details.
1. What Is the e-APP?
The e-APP (Electronic Apostille Program) was launched by the HCCH to modernize and secure the apostille process under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It has two main components:
- e-Apostilles: Apostilles issued in electronic format (rather than paper), typically signed with a digital signature or seal to ensure authenticity and tamper-proofing.
- e-Register: An online verification system allowing receiving authorities, businesses, and individuals to confirm an e-Apostille’s validity by entering a reference code or scanning a QR code.
These electronic processes streamline issuance, reduce costs, and combat fraud.
2. Selected Countries Implementing e-APP
Although many jurisdictions issue only paper apostilles at the moment, a growing number have implemented or piloted electronic apostilles and/or electronic register systems. A sample of countries known to have either fully or partially implemented the e-APP includes:
- Brazil
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Honduras
- India
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Russian Federation
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United States of America (some issuing offices)
Note: In federal systems (e.g., the United States, Mexico), different states or regional authorities might implement e-APP at different times or in different ways.
3. Variation in Implementation
- Some countries have a fully operational electronic system (both e-Apostilles and e-Register).
- Others might only have an online verification register but still issue paper apostilles, or they may still be pilot testing e-Apostilles with certain categories of documents only.
- Legal acceptance of e-Apostilles often depends on whether the receiving authority is prepared to verify them electronically.
4. How to Check If a Country Uses e-Apostilles
- Visit the HCCH e-APP Webpage:
- The HCCH maintains a dedicated e-APP section listing participating authorities and providing updates.
- Contact the Competent Authority:
- Each country designates one or more “competent authorities” to issue apostilles (e.g., a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, or equivalent office). Their official website often states whether they issue e-Apostilles, have an e-Register, or are still using paper certificates.
5. Practical Tips for Using e-Apostilles
- Confirm Acceptance:
Before obtaining an e-Apostille, verify that the receiving authority (foreign government agency, employer, school, etc.) knows how to and is willing to accept and verify it. - Obtain Instructions:
Follow the technical steps your issuing authority provides, such as downloading the e-Apostille PDF, verifying its digital signature, or sharing a link/QR code for the e-Register. - Keep Copies:
Store electronic copies (and, if needed, printouts) in case you run into a receiving authority that still prefers paper-based documentation.
Leave a Reply