What you need
- A certified copy issued by the state vital records office or county clerk (with a raised or color seal).
- The certificate should generally be recent — many countries require one issued within the last 3–6 months.
- The state where the birth was registered (this determines which Secretary of State issues the apostille).
Photocopies are NOT accepted
A photocopy or scan of a birth certificate cannot be apostilled. You need an originally issued certified copy with a raised seal.
When you need a birth certificate apostille
- Getting married abroad
- Applying for foreign citizenship by descent (Italy, Ireland, Germany, etc.)
- Enrolling children in school overseas
- Obtaining a foreign student or work visa
- International adoption proceedings
- Inheritance claims abroad
How long does it take?
Processing depends on the issuing state and the speed you choose. Typical turnaround:
- Standard: 5–10 business days
- Express: 2–4 business days
- Rush: 24–72 hours (select states only)
Common questions
Can a hospital birth certificate be apostilled?
No. The decorative "souvenir" certificate from the hospital cannot be apostilled. You need the official version from the state or county vital records office.
My birth certificate is from a different state than where I live now. Does that matter?
Yes — the apostille must be issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the birth was registered, not where you currently live. We route this automatically.
Do I need to translate it?
The apostille itself doesn't need translation, but the destination country may require a certified translation of the birth certificate. Confirm with the receiving authority.
Ready to apostille your birth certificate?
Instant pricing, secure uploads, real humans handling your file.
Apply now