News

The Passport & Corporate Services Office (P&CSO) has announced that effective Monday, 21 August individuals and businesses can verify an apostille certificate issued in the Cayman Islands via its website, https://www.gov.ky/verifyapostille.

An apostille is a certificate issued under Article 3(1) of the Hague Convention 1961 to certify the authenticity of the origin of a public document. Apostilles may be issued and presented in all contracting parties to the Convention with a full list of members available at www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members

With the implementation of an e-register, verification of all documents issued as of 10 February 2023 can be completed by the user online using an apostille certificate number and date of issue. For documents issued prior to the date, members of the public can send an email to the Passport Office, to manually check the non e-register and verify the details.

In commenting on the new online system, Head of P&CSO, Janice McLean stated, “We are continuously striving to improve our services. The e-register and online verification has brought the Cayman Islands in line with other member states. Additionally, given the nature of the documents, customers are able to operate in real time and not hindered by factors such as time zone differences”.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson, has commended the Passport and Corporate Services Offices on its continued efforts to improve efficiency and customer service. “The Department has been making great strides. Their recent extension of opening hours during the summer and the increased use of technology in their processes will certainly make the lives of those we serve better. Kudos to the team and we look forward to further improvements in the future”, he said.