New York State Department of State – New York, NY

NYS Department of State – Division of Licensing Services

The New York State Department of State maintains a critical public office at 123 William Street in Lower Manhattan. This facility primarily houses the Division of Licensing Services and serves as a key location for the authentication of public documents. It is the go-to destination for New Yorkers needing to obtain an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication for documents to be used internationally. Additionally, this office handles inquiries and processing for various professional licenses regulated by the state, including real estate brokers, security guards, and notaries public. The office provides a customer service counter for walk-in applicants, offering a faster alternative to mailing documents to Albany, although specific hours for walk-in services may be limited compared to general building hours.

Apostille and Authentication Services

One of the most high-demand services at this location is the Apostille process. Individuals can present birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other public documents to be authenticated for foreign use.
Note: Walk-in services for Apostilles usually accept payments via check or money order only (no cash or credit cards at the counter in many cases), so visitors should come prepared.

Licensing and Regulation

• Professional Licensing: Support for over 30 professions including real estate, cosmetology, and private investigation.
• Notary Public: Information and regulation of NYS notaries.
• Consumer Protection: The Department also encompasses the Division of Consumer Protection, safeguarding the public from unfair business practices.

Visit Information

The office is located in the Financial District, easily accessible by subway. Visitors should expect a security check upon entering the building. While the general office hours are standard, the Apostille window often closes earlier (e.g., 3:30 PM) or has specific cutoff times for same-day service, so early arrival is strongly recommended.