A birth certificate with an apostille is valid for official use in any foreign country that is a part of the 1961 Hague Convention. An apostille simply certifies the authenticity of the signature on the document. Without an apostille, a birth certificate may not be accepted as a legal document outside of the country in which it was created.
You can get an apostille from the state that issued the birth certificate using a certified copy of the original document.
How to get an apostille Birth Certificate
While all 50 states can issue an apostille for a birth certificate, the application process varies by state. You can contact the registrar or county clerk in your birth state or county for more information. Or, you can click on the links below to see details on the apostille application process for the following states:
- California – apply by mail with the California Secretary of State (Sacramento office)
- Florida – apply online with the Florida Department of State
- New York – apply by mail or in-person with the New York Department of State
- Texas – request an apostille when applying for certified birth certificate copy through the Texas Vital Statistics office
Almost every state requires you to order a certified copy of your birth certificate before you can get an apostille.
Keep in mind that you may need an alternate or further authentication from the U.S. Department of State if you plan to use your birth certificate in a country that is not a part of the Hague Apostille Convention. You can get more information on apostille requirements at Travel.gov (US Department of State).