Apostille US Birth Certificate: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning to move abroad, apply for dual citizenship, or get married in another country, chances are you’ll be asked to submit an Apostille US Birth Certificate. This simple yet essential step validates your document for legal use in a foreign country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In this guide, we explain what an apostille is, when and why it’s needed for a birth certificate, and how Rais Apostille Services makes the process fast, easy, and secure.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates the origin of a public document. The purpose of an apostille is to certify that a document is genuine and can be accepted in any of the 125+ member countries of the Hague Convention of 1961.
When applied to a US birth certificate, the apostille confirms that the birth certificate is a legitimate government-issued document.
When Do You Need an Apostille on a Birth Certificate?
You may need to apostille a U.S. birth certificate if you’re:
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Applying for dual citizenship or a passport abroad
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Getting married in a foreign country
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Adopting a child internationally
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Registering residency or employment overseas
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Applying for a visa or long-term stay abroad
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Filing legal paperwork with foreign courts or institutions
In all these cases, a simple notarization or certified copy isn’t enough. You need the birth certificate to be apostilled to ensure its authenticity overseas.
What Kind of Birth Certificate Can Be Apostilled?
Not all copies are acceptable for apostille. You must have:
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An official certified copy issued by the state’s Department of Health, Vital Records, or County Clerk
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It must be signed by a registrar, clerk, or other authorized official
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Photocopies or hospital-issued birth certificates are not valid
If you’re unsure whether your document is eligible, Rais Apostille Services can review it and obtain a certified copy on your behalf if necessary.
Who Issues the Apostille for a Birth Certificate?
The apostille for a birth certificate is issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the birth certificate was issued.
For example:
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If your birth certificate is from California, the California Secretary of State provides the apostille
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If it’s from New York, the apostille comes from the New York Department of State
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Rais Apostille can assist with any state across the U.S., including expedited service for many
How to Apostille a US Birth Certificate (Step-by-Step)
1. Obtain a Certified Copy
Make sure your birth certificate is an official certified copy. If you don’t have one, we can request it from the issuing authority on your behalf.
2. Verify Eligibility
We’ll review the document to ensure it meets all apostille requirements (including appropriate seals and signatures).
3. Complete an Apostille Request Form
Each state has its own apostille request form. We’ll handle this paperwork for you, correctly filled out based on your destination country.
4. Submit the Document to the Right State Office
We hand-deliver, mail, or courier your document to the correct Secretary of State, depending on your location and urgency.
5. Receive Your Apostilled Document
After processing, your birth certificate will be returned with the apostille attached—ready for use abroad.
Apostille Processing Times and Costs
Processing time varies by state and the method of submission:
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Standard processing: 5–15 business days
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Expedited services: 1–3 business days available in some states
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Government fees: Vary by state (usually $5–$25)
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Rais Apostille Services: Offers affordable, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
We provide nationwide coverage, meaning we can process apostilles from all 50 states, no matter where you’re located.
Why Choose Rais Apostille Services?
At Rais Apostille, we’ve helped thousands of clients authenticate their documents quickly and correctly. Here’s why our customers trust us:
✅ Expertise in All 50 States
✅ Fast, Secure Handling
✅ Affordable Pricing
✅ International Shipping Available
✅ Clear Communication and Tracking
✅ No Errors or Rejections
We take the guesswork and stress out of the apostille process, so you can focus on what matters—your international plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apostille a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. Only certified copies issued by a state agency or vital records office are eligible for apostille.
What if I was born abroad as a U.S. citizen?
If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) can be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not a state office.
Do I need a translation for the birth certificate?
Some foreign authorities may require a certified translation. We can help arrange translations by certified professionals if needed.
Can Rais Apostille obtain a certified copy for me?
Yes. If you’ve lost your original or don’t have a certified copy, we can request one from the issuing agency for you.
How do I know which state to send my document to?
You must apostille your birth certificate in the state where it was originally issued. Rais Apostille handles the routing and submission for you.
What countries accept apostilles?
Apostilles are recognized by all member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. If the destination country is not a member, we can help you through the embassy legalization process instead.
Get Started with Apostille Services for Your Birth Certificate
Whether you were born in New York, California, Florida, or any other U.S. state, Rais Apostille Services can help you get your birth certificate apostilled quickly, securely, and affordably.
