An apostille is a form of authentication issued by a designated authority (usually the Secretary of State) that certifies a document for legal use in another country. It was established by the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention to simplify the process of validating documents across international borders.
How Apostilles Work
When you need to use a U.S. vital record in a foreign country that is part of the Hague Convention, an apostille confirms the document’s authenticity. The apostille certificate is typically a one-page document attached to the original by your state’s Secretary of State office.
Vital Records That May Need an Apostille
- Birth certificates — for immigration, citizenship claims, or enrollment abroad (see birth certificate apostille)
- Marriage certificates — for spousal visa applications or name changes overseas (see marriage certificate apostille)
- Death certificates — for estate matters or insurance claims in another country (see death certificate apostille)
- Divorce certificates — for remarriage or legal proceedings abroad (see divorce certificate apostille)
Other Common Documents Apostilled
- FBI background checks — for foreign visas, work permits, and adoption
- Single status affidavits — for marriage abroad
- Powers of attorney — for foreign real estate, banking, and family matters
- Certificates of Good Standing — for U.S. companies operating internationally
- IRS Form 6166 — for treaty-based tax benefits abroad
How to Get an Apostille on a Vital Record
- Obtain a certified copy of your vital record from the issuing state
- Submit the certified copy to your state’s Secretary of State office
- Pay the apostille fee (typically $5–$40 per document)
- Receive the apostilled document, usually within 1–4 weeks
Our apostille services handle every step from ordering the certified copy to international shipping.
Important Notes
- The vital record must be a certified copy issued by the state vital records office — photocopies or informational copies are not eligible
- Countries not part of the Hague Convention require consular legalization instead of an apostille
- Some states offer expedited apostille processing for an additional fee