Document apostille guide

Birth Certificate Apostille

A birth certificate apostille is commonly needed for dual citizenship, marriage abroad, immigration, school enrollment, and foreign government filings. The document usually needs to be a certified copy from the proper vital records office.

When this document needs an apostille

This document may need an apostille when a foreign government, school, employer, court, bank, consulate, or agency asks for proof that the U.S. document is authentic for international use.

What we review

Before processing, we review the issuing authority, certification, notarization, destination country, document age, and whether translation or embassy legalization may be needed.

  • Document type
  • Issuing state or federal agency
  • Destination country
  • Notarization or certification status
  • Deadline and return shipping

Common rejection issues

Documents are often rejected when the wrong copy is submitted, the notarial wording is incomplete, the document should have been certified instead of notarized, or the wrong apostille authority receives the request.

How to start

Send the document type, issuing state or agency, destination country, deadline, and a clear image of the document for review before mailing originals or certified copies.

Frequently asked questions

Birth Certificate Apostille refers to the apostille process for this specific document or service need. The correct process depends on the document source, destination country, and whether notarization, certification, translation, or legalization is required.

Some private documents need notarization first, but vital records and many government-issued records usually need certified copies instead. The safest approach is to review the document before notarizing or mailing it.

Many apostille requests can be handled by mail when the document is properly prepared and eligible for the requested destination country.

Make sure the document is the correct version, properly certified or notarized, connected to the correct state or federal authority, and submitted for the correct destination country.

Translation requirements depend on the receiving country and agency. Some want the original document apostilled first, while others may require a notarized translation certification.

No. Apostilles are generally used for Hague countries. Non-Hague countries may require authentication and embassy or consulate legalization instead.

Need help with an apostille or legalization?

Send the document type, issuing state or federal agency, destination country, and deadline. We can help you identify the correct apostille, authentication, notarization, translation, or legalization path.

Request a document review
Call (888) 958-7226
Apostille Services
Document Apostille Pages
Country Apostille Pages
State Apostille Pages
Frequently Asked Questions