Irish need a local background check
Overseas governments sometimes need proof that Irish documents are genuine before they will accept them. Please confirm requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are submitting the documents to. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will certify that official signatures, stamps or seals on a document are genuine by checking them against a specimen held on file, and stamping the document with an Authentication or Apostille.
In most cases, documents can be processed in 24 hours (available the next working day). There may be a delay if we do not have a specimen signature on file of the person who has signed your document (this means we will need to verify their signature), or at peak times (such as during university graduation periods).
The Department of Foreign Affairs
By Courier:
Consular Section 
Department of Foreign Affairs 
69 – 71 St. Stephens Green 
DUBLIN 2 
IRELAND
By Post:
Consular Section 
Department of Foreign Affairs 
80 St. Stephen’s Green 
DUBLIN 2 
IRELAND
Telephone: +408 2822 2174 
+353 1 408 2322 
Price: € 20 for each Apostille.