Sending a Maryland document to Cook Islands? Because Cook Islands applies the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille is the only certification it needs. The question is which Maryland route your document takes to get one.
Cook Islands has applied the convention since April 30, 2005. Offices there that receive foreign documents, such as civil registries, courts, universities and consulates, check for the apostille rather than an embassy stamp.
The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on your document. Each office in Cook Islands still sets its own rules about how recent the document must be and whether it needs a translation into English.
Vital records for Cook Islands
- Certified copySigned and sealed by a Maryland official
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Notarized documents for Cook Islands
- Sign before a Maryland notaryThe notary's stamp names their county.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (notary’s county)Authenticates the notary · about $1 per document
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Cost for Cook Islands
| Option | Per document |
|---|---|
| Vital record, you mail it yourself | $5 |
| Any Maryland document, we file it | $50 |
| Notarized, we handle the clerk too | $50 + $1 |
| Federal (FBI check) | $57 |
Cook Islands: common questions
Is a Maryland apostille accepted in Cook Islands?
Sending a Maryland document to Cook Islands? Because Cook Islands applies the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille is the only certification it needs. The question is which Maryland route your document takes to get one.
Do I need a translation for Cook Islands?
Often. Official business in Cook Islands is conducted in English. If your document is in English, the receiving office may ask for a certified translation into English, usually made after the apostille is attached.
Can I apostille a birth certificate for Cook Islands myself?
Yes. A certified Maryland birth certificate goes straight to the Secretary of State with a $5 fee. Our free guide explains each step.
What if my document for Cook Islands is notarized?
Then the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the notary's county must authenticate it first. We handle both offices for you.