In Ireland, an apostille is a certification that authenticates documents for international use, ensuring that they will be recognized in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Ireland is a member of the Hague Convention, and the apostille process is specifically handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Steps to Get an Apostille for Documents in Ireland:

1. Determine the Document Type: Common documents that can be apostilled in Ireland include:
   • Birth certificates
   • Marriage certificates
   • Academic diplomas and transcripts
   • Notarized documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits)
   • Other official government-issued documents
2. Obtain the Document: The document must be issued by an official Irish authority. For example:
   • Birth, marriage, or death certificates from the General Register Office (GRO) or local registry offices.
   • Academic documents issued by Irish educational institutions.
   • Notarized documents issued by a certified Irish notary.
3. Notarization (if required): Some documents, such as contracts or powers of attorney, may need to be notarized before they can be apostilled. If the document requires notarization, ensure it is signed and stamped by a certified Irish notary public.
4. Submit the Document to the Department of Foreign Affairs: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is responsible for issuing apostilles in Ireland. The apostille is typically processed at the Apostille Section of the DFA in Dublin. You can submit the document for apostille in two ways:
   • In person: You can bring the document directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
   • By post: If you are not in Dublin, you can mail your document to the DFA for processing.
5. Complete the Request Form:
   • When submitting a document for apostille, you will need to fill out a Request for Apostille form. This form is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
6. Pay the Apostille Fee:
   • There is a fee for the apostille service. The fee can be paid by cash (if submitting in person) or by cheque/postal order (if submitting by post). You can check the DFA website for the current fee.
7. Processing Time:
   • In-person applications: The processing time for apostilles is generally 1 business day.
   • By post: If you are applying by mail, the process may take 5–10 business days, depending on the volume of requests and postal delivery times.
8. Collect the Apostilled Document:
   • After the apostille is applied, you can either collect the apostilled document in person or, if submitted by post, have it returned to you by mail.

Key Points:

• Ireland is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so apostilled documents from Ireland are recognized in other countries that are also members of the convention, and vice versa.
• Apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Ireland, not by other government bodies or consulates.
• If you are using foreign documents in Ireland, they must first be apostilled in the country of origin before being used in Ireland.

Documents and Information You Will Need:

• The original document to be apostilled.
• A completed Request for Apostille form.
• Proof of identity may be required in some cases.
• Payment for the apostille fee.

Where to Go for Apostille in Ireland:

• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): The apostille service is provided by the DFA in Dublin.
  • Address: Apostille Section, Department of Foreign Affairs, 27–31 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
  • If applying by post: Send the documents to the same address.

For up-to-date information on fees, required documents, and any changes to the process, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website or contact them directly.