Birth Certificate Apostille Services
- Nationwide Coverage: We process birth certificate apostille requests across all 50 U.S. states.
- Federal & State Support: We verify your birth certificate meets requirements before submission to prevent delays.
Birth Certificate Apostille
A birth certificate apostille is one of the most commonly requested documents for international use. Whether you need to prove citizenship for immigration proceedings, register a marriage abroad, enroll a child in a foreign school, or apply for dual citizenship, your U.S. birth certificate must carry an apostille to be recognized by authorities in any of the 125+ Hague Convention member countries. We handle the entire process from document review through state Secretary of State certification.
What We Check Before Processing
- Issuing state and which Secretary of State office processes the apostille
- Destination country requirements and any additional legalization steps needed
- Physical document condition - tears, fading, or damage that could cause rejection
- Whether your copy is a certified copy (accepted) versus an informational copy (not accepted for apostille)
- Presence of the registrar's original signature and raised or stamped seal
- Date of issuance - some destination countries require copies issued within the last 6-12 months
If you have a immigration, citizenship, foreign marriage, or enrollment deadline, submit as early as possible. Processing and shipping times vary by state.
Processing Timelines
Priority Express
As fast as 24 hours (business-day turnaround)
Standard Priority
2–3 business days
Economy Standard
4–6 business days
State processing can be as fast as 24 hours for eligible requests. Shipping time is separate from processing time. If you need your apostilled birth certificate for international use, submit your request as early as possible to allow for both processing and delivery.
View full processing time detailsTrue Copy vs. Original Protocol
We default to True Copy Apostilles – faster, more affordable, and no need to mail your originals.
True Copy
Recommended- No mailing required
- Faster processing
- Lower cost
- Widely accepted
Original
By request- Must mail your original
- Longer processing
- Higher cost
- Required by some authorities
Common Issues with Birth Certificate Apostilles
- Informational Copies Are Not Accepted: Many people unknowingly order informational copies of their birth certificate, which are clearly marked 'not a valid document for identification purposes' or similar language. These cannot be apostilled. You need a certified copy issued by the vital records office of the state where the birth occurred.
- Missing Registrar Signature or Seal: A birth certificate must bear the original signature of the registrar or deputy registrar and an official seal (raised, embossed, or stamped). Copies that lack these elements - such as photocopies or print-at-home versions - will be rejected by the Secretary of State.
- Outdated Records and Format Variations: Birth certificates issued decades ago may use formats that current Secretary of State offices do not recognize or may have faded signatures. Some states have changed their vital records systems, and older certificates may need to be re-issued in the current format before an apostille can be attached.
- State-Specific Format Differences: Each state issues birth certificates in its own format. Some states issue them at the county level, others only at the state level. The apostille must come from the state where the certificate was issued, not the state where you currently reside, which catches many applicants off guard.
Nationwide Coverage Across All 50 States
We handle birth certificate apostille requests from every U.S. state and coordinate directly with the appropriate Secretary of State office for correct routing and processing.
We Ship Directly to You with Tracking
Once processing is complete, we ship your apostilled birth certificate directly to you with full tracking. Domestic and international shipping options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access guidance addressing the most common questions regarding apostille eligibility, document requirements, jurisdictional differences, and processing timelines.
Related Resources
Apostille Resources
Review detailed guidance on document eligibility, processing standards, jurisdictional requirements, and common submission errors to ensure your documents are accepted internationally.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by state and destination country. For formal legal advice, consult a qualified professional.