Hawaiʻi makes it easier to certify documents for use overseas with forms in 12 languages

Starting May 15, 2025, the State of Hawaiʻi’s Apostille and Certification Application is now accessible in 12 languages in addition to English, expanding access for the nearly one in four Hawaiʻi residents who speak a language other than English at home.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor oversees apostille and certification requests for documents used abroad, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and notarized papers. Each year, the office processes around 9,000 applications.

Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on documents so that the document can be recognized in foreign countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. To see a list of countries using Apostilles, you can view the Hague Status Table. (Documents can also be authenticated for countries that are not members of the Hague treaty but will instead be provided a certificate rather than an apostille).

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who led the development of the translated materials, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive and accessible government services.

“Hawaiʻi is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the country, and government services must reflect that,” Luke said in a statement. “Expanding access to the apostille application in 12 languages ensures that more residents, regardless of the language they speak, can navigate this process with clarity and confidence.”

The translated application is available in the following languages:

• Chinese – Simplified
• Chuukese
• Ilocano
• Japanese
• Korean
• Marshallese
• ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Thai
• Vietnamese
• Visayan

The effort aligns with the mission of the state’s Department of Health Office of Language Access, which works to address the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. 

Apostille applications are accepted online and in person at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. To access the translated applications, visit ltgov.hawaii.gov/application-for-apostille-or-certification-of-documents and scroll to the “Need Help in Another Language?” section.