Whether you need to get your documents apostilled or authenticated depends on the specific requirements of the country where you plan to use the documents. The key factor is whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention or not.

• Apostille: If the country where you intend to use the documents is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you need to get your documents apostilled. An apostille is a specific type of authentication that simplifies the process of document validation between member countries. The apostille is a certificate attached to the document by the competent authority in the issuing country, verifying its authenticity.

• Authentication: If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need to get your documents authenticated through a different process, often referred to as embassy or consulate legalization. In this case, the document must first be authenticated by the competent authority in the issuing country (such as the U.S. Department of State for federal documents or the state's Secretary of State for state-level documents). After that, the document must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the issuing country for further validation.

To determine whether you need an apostille or authentication, you should:

• Identify the destination country where the document will be used.

• Check if the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

• If the country is a member, you need an apostille. If not, you need authentication through the embassy or consulate.

Keep in mind that each country may have specific requirements for apostille or authentication, and the process can vary based on the type of document and the issuing authority. It's advisable to verify the exact requirements with the relevant authorities or seek the assistance of a professional apostille/authentication service to ensure a smooth and accurate process.