An apostille birth certificate is a state or federally authenticated vital record that is recognized internationally. It can only be added to certified copies of vital record documents.
Under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille serves as a universal certification that verifies the signature and seal of the issuing official. This allows the birth certificate to be accepted in 128 member countries without further consular checks.
When Do You Need an Apostille?
You typically need an apostilled birth certificate for:
- Dual citizenship applications: Particularly for Jure Sanguinis (bloodline) applications in Italy, Ireland, or Spain
- International marriage: Most foreign civil registries require an apostilled birth certificate issued within 90 days of the ceremony
- Work visas and residency: For long-term relocation to Hague member nations
How Do You Get an Apostille for a Birth Certificate?
The process varies depending on whether your birth certificate was issued by a state or the federal government. Also, you need to meet the requirements from the US Department of State. Most people can get an apostilled birth certificate from their state’s vital records office.
1. Find out who issued your birth certificate
If you were born in one of the 50 US states, the Secretary of State in the state of your birth must issue the apostille.
If you were born abroad to US parents and hold a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), the US Department of State in Washington, D.C., handles the authentication of your apostille.
2. Check that you hold a certified copy
To receive an apostille, the birth certificate must be a certified copy (not a photocopy or commemorative keepsake).
This does not have to be the original version issued at birth. In fact, most states require the certificate to have been issued within the last 5–10 years to ensure the signing official’s signature is still on file. You can order an official copy of your birth certificate online.
Important points to review
If your birth certificate was signed by a registrar who is no longer in office, the Secretary of State may reject the apostille request. You may need to order a replacement long-form certified copy first.
If you need an apostilled birth certificate for use abroad, make sure to check the specific requirements of the foreign country’s local authority.
Rules and processes can vary in different parts of the world. For example, despite being part of The Hague Convention, some local authorities in China may still request a local notarization of the translation.
If you are moving to a country not part of the 128 member nations, such as the UAE, Thailand, or Vietnam, apostilles are not recognized. Instead, you’ll be required to still undergo the traditional consular legalization process specific to your destination.
Can I Get an Apostille for a Birth Certificate Online?
You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate online, but the apostille itself is usually issued by a different federal or state office. Once you have your birth record ready, check how the process works in your state of birth.
