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Apostille vs. Legalization: What's the Difference?

Learn the difference between apostille and legalization for international diploma use. Includes fees, timelines, country list, and ordering links for Excel High School and Northgate Academy.

If you need to use your Excel High School or Northgate Academy diploma and transcript internationally, the type of authentication required depends on the destination country. This article explains the difference between apostille and legalization, which countries require each, and the associated fees and timelines.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a special certification used for documents that are being sent to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

  • Use this process if your destination country is a Hague Convention member.

  • Processing time: 2–6 weeks (based on the schedule of the State of Minnesota).

  • Cost:

    • $200 – Includes apostille for both the diploma and transcript.

    • $300 – Includes apostille + international shipping for both documents.

What Is Legalization?

Legalization is required when the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention. This is a multi-step process that typically includes certification by the U.S. State Department and the destination country’s embassy.

  • Use this process if your destination country is not a Hague Convention member.

  • Processing time: 30–60 days (based on the schedule of the U.S. State Department).

  • Cost:

    • $200 – Includes legalization for both the diploma and transcript.

    • $300 – Includes legalization + international shipping for both documents.

Countries That Require Legalization

If your country is listed below, you’ll need to request legalization, not an apostille:

Non-Hague Convention Countries
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Republic, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How to Request Apostille or Legalization Services

You can request apostille or legalization services directly through your school’s School Store:

We recommend confirming your destination country’s requirements before placing an order.