Birth certificate apostille
Do you need a Hague apostille for a U.S. birth certificate? Start here...
Obtaining an apostille for a birth certificate in the United States can be a complex process, as requirements vary by state. Each state has its own issuing authority, authentication procedures, and documentation guidelines. This page provides a state-by-state breakdown of apostille requirements for birth certificates, helping you navigate the process efficiently.
Foreign Documents Express specializes in apostille services for all U.S. states, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process. We handle birth certificate apostilles nationwide, from verification to delivery — quickly, securely, and reliably.
Alabama
Alabama apostille requirements for birth certificates
All birth certificates and death certificates requiring an Apostille must bear the signature of the current Alabama State Registrar.
(Effective January 1, 2018, the new Alabama State Registrar is Nicole Henderson Rushing)
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an Alabama apostille?
Alabama Center for Health Statistics: Birth Certificates | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) or www.vitalchek.com.
By Alabama law, birth certificates are confidential records with restricted access for 125 years from the date of birth. They may be obtained by the following persons
- Person named on the certificate
- Mother, father, or legal guardian
- Husband or wife of person named on certificate
- Son or daughter of person named on certificate
- Sister or brother of person named on certificate
- Legal representative of an authorized person
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get an Alabama apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Alabama apostille.
In the State of Alabama, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by a staple. It is signed by the Secretary of the State (facsimile signature) and has the gold foil seal (Alabama Great Seal).
Alabama apostilles have additional wording: "The attached document has been signed by an Alabama public official. The Apostille certifies the signature of that official and does not certify the content of the public document to which it is attached."
Alabama apostille: $175
Processing time: 8-10 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Alaska
Alaska apostille requirements for birth certificates
A certified copy of birth certificate issued by Health Analytics and Vital Records of Alaska Department of Health. The document must be recent.
If you have an original birth certificate, please email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an Alaska apostille?
Health Analytics and Vital Records of Alaska Department of Health or www.vitalchek.com.
Who may obtain a birth certificate?
- Parent(s) listed on the current certificate.
- Child listed on the certificate (if 14 years or older) along with current school ID.
- Legal Guardian with certified guardianship papers.
- Third-Party requests must have notarized letter of consent for the release of information from the certificate holder or legal guardian.
- Attorneys & government agencies must have a letter on their letterhead stating who they represent and why the record is needed. Supporting original certified or notarized documentation must be provided.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get an Alaska apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Alaska apostille.
In the State of Alaska, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by a staple. It is signed by the Lieutenant Governor (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the State of Alaska.
Alaska apostille: $175
Processing time: 8-10 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Arizona
Arizona apostille requirements for birth certificates
To be eligible for apostilles, Arizona birth certificates should be certified by the State Registrar or Assistant State Registrar. Certified copies that have the watermark "For Government Use Only" are not eligible for apostilles.
Old birth certificates are acceptable for apostille purposes. However, please check with the country of intended use if the receiving authorities require a recent copy.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
Arizona is a "closed record" state. That means that birth certificates are not public records.
To obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate, please contact Arizona Department of Health Services: ADHS - Vital Records - Home (azdhs.gov).
You can also order a certified copy from the local County Health Department where the birth was registered: ADHS - Vital Records - Local County Health Department (azdhs.gov) or from www.vitalchek.com.
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get an Arizona apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Arizona apostille.
In the State of Arizona, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document. It is signed by the Arizona Secretary of State and has a Great Seal of the State of Arizona. Arizona apostilles are issued in English/French/Spanish.
Arizona apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Arkansas
Arkansas apostille requirements for birth certificates
To be eligible for an apostille, an Arkansas birth certificate needs to be a certified copy issued by the Arkansas Department of Health’s Vital Records office.
A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
To obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate, please contact Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records: Order Birth Records - Arkansas Department of Health
Arkansas is a "closed record" state. That means that birth certificates are not public records. The following individulas are eligible to get a certified copy of the birth certificate:
- Individual age 16 and older (named on the record)
- Mother
- Father (if named on the certificate)
- Child
- Spouse
- Maternal grandparents
- Guardian (with proper legal documentation)
We can obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate if you fill out the Authorization form and email it to us along with a copy of your ID.
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get an Arkansas apostille
Send the original birth certificate and the Order form by mail for an Arkansas apostille.
In the State of Arkansas, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document. It is signed by the Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the Secretary of State. Each apostille has the name of the country the document is intended for.
Arkansas apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
California
California apostille requirements for birth certificates
To be eligible for California apostilles, California birth certificates need to be certified copies issued by
Birth certificates signed by County Health Officers, Deputy Health Officers, Health Care Agencies, or County Vital Records Sections are also acceptable. However they require additional legalization steps.
The signature, name, and title of the public official can be found at the bottom of a birth certificate.
Old documents are acceptable (in most cases). However, check with the receiving foreign agency if they will accept an old document. Many foreign agencies require that the document is recently issued.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
To obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate, contact County Clerk/Recorder, County Registrar-Recorder, County Controller-Recorder, County Assessor-Recorder in the county where the birth was registered: County Registrars and Recorders
You can also obtain a certified copy from the Department of Public Health: Vital Records Obtaining Certified Copies of Birth Records
Do not order a birth certificate from the Local Registrar. The processing of an apostille will take additional time (sometimes, a few weeks) and will involve additional costs
California is a "closed record" state. That means that birth certificates are not public records. The following individulas are eligible to get a certified ("authorized") copy of the birth certificate:
Who can get an authorized copy: The registrant, a parent or legal guardian, a child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant, or someone with a court order or legal authority
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a California apostille
If your document is eligible, send the original document to us by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining an apostille.
In the State of California, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by staples. It is signed by the California Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the Office of the Secretary of State. California apostilles are issued in English/French/Spanish.
California apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Colorado
Colorado apostille requirements for birth certificates
To be eligible for Colorado apostilles, Colorado birth certificates must be certified copies issued by the Colorado Department of Pubic Health and Environment.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
To obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate, contact the Colorado Department of Health and Environment: Birth, death, and other vital records | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado is a "closed record" state. That means that birth certificates are not public records. The following individulas are eligible to get a certified copy of the birth certificate: registrant, spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, legal representatives. Proof of relationship is required.
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a Colorado apostille
If your document is eligible, send the original document to us by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a Colorado apostille.
In the State of Colorado, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by staples. It is signed by the Secretary of the State (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the State of Colorado. Colorado apostilles are issued in English/Spanish/French.
As of April 2, 2018, the Secretary of State issues a combined single certificate of authentication. In countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the certificate serves as an apostille.
Colorado apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 10 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Connecticut
Connecticut apostille requirements for birth certificates
The following birth certificates are eligible for Connecticut apostilles: certified copies issued by
Notarized copies are not eligible for apostilles.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
Connecticut birth certificates can be obtained from the Town Clerk or the Department of Public Heath, Vital Records Unit.
For a birth occurring on or after January 1, 2003: You may request a certified copy of the birth certificate from any town vital records office or the State Vital Records Office.
For a birth occurring prior to January 1, 2003: You may request a certified copy of the birth certificate ONLY from the following:
- The town vital records office of the town where the birth occurred, or
- The town of the mother’s residence at the time of birth, or
- The State Vital Records Office.
Birth records are confidential records and are not open to the general public, except for those that are at least 100 years old. The followng individuals can obtain certified copies of CT birth certificatessssss;
- Registrant if 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated minor or a certified homeless youth
- Parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, grandparent, spouse, adult child or adult grandchild
- Attorney-at-law representing the person named on the birth certificate or an eligible relative (see above), an agent of approved state or federal agency, a member of a Connecticut genealogical society (see the Connecticut State Library for more information) or a Conservator of Person
If you have a certified copy, email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a Connecticut apostille
If your document is eligible, send the original document to us by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a Connecticut apostille.
Starting in 2025, Connecticut apostilles feature a new design: a blue border composed of small Connecticut seals.
In the State of Connecticut, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by an eyelet in the upper left corner. It is signed by the Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the State of Connecticut.
Connecticut apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Delaware
Delaware apostille requirements for birth certificates
Delaware birth certificates must be signed by the State Registrar Karyl Thomas Rattay, MD at the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Notarized copies are not eligible for apostilles.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for a Delaware apostille?
Delaware birth certificates can be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics of the DE Department of Health and Social Services.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a Delaware apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for a Delaware apostille.
In the State of Delaware, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by staples. It is signed by the Delaware Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the Secretary of State.
Delaware apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
DC
Florida
Florida apostille requirements for birth certificates
A Florida state apostille will authenticate the signature of the State Registrar on a certified copy of a Florida birth certificate.
The following signatures of the State Registrars (former and current) are acceptable for Florida apostilles:
Ken Jones (current State Registrar) * C. Meade Grigg * Oliver Board * Edward Williams * Charles Mahan
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Birth certificates issued by local Health Departments are not eligible for apostilles / legalization.
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Birth certificates signed by a Deputy State Registrar are not eligible for apostilles / legalization.
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Plain copies and notarized copies of birth certificates cannot be apostilled.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email it for a free document evaluation.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a Florida apostille
In the State of Florida, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by a staple. It is signed by the Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has the Great Seal of the State of Florida.
Florida apostille: $175
Processing time: 4-6 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
New Jersey apostille requirements for birth certificates
To be eligible for apostilles / legalization, certified copies of New Jersey birth certificates should be issued by the Office of Vital Statistics of the NJ Department of Health in Trenton NJ, and certified by the State Registrar or Assistant State Registrar. These certificates are usually blue, green or burgundy in color.
Birth certificates that have the following signatures are acceptable for NJ apostilles / legalization:
- Charles A. Karkut, New Jersey State Registrar
- Donald L. Lipira, New Jersey State Registrar
- Joseph A. Komosinski, State Registrar
- Yamileth Contreras, Acting State Registrar
- Philip Thigpen, Acting State Registrar
- Genevieve Raganelli, Acting State Registrar
- Joseph R.Klett, Director, Division of Archives
- F. Merton Saybolt, State Registrar
- Vincent T. Arrisi, State Registrar
- Juan M. Jr Rivera, Acting State Registrar
- Barbara Nasuto, New Jersey State Registrar
- Teresa C. Quintana, State Registrar
- Tiffany Drennon, Acting State Registrar
- Jeffrey Dublin, Acting State Registrar
- Tiffany Drennon, State Registrar
Locally issued birth certificates (birth certificates issued by municipal, town, county registrars) are not eligible for apostilles.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
We can assist you in obtaining a certified copy of your New Jersey birth certificate and have it apostilled. ORDER ONLINE. Certified copies are available for events occuring within the last 80 years or if the individual is still living. The price for a certified copy with an apostille is $325. Processing time: app. 1 week + mail.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a New Jersey apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New Jersey apostille.
In the State of New Jersey, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by two staples. It is signed by the New Jersey State Treasurer (facsimile signature) and has the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey.
New Jersey apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 6-7 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
New Mexico
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New York
New York apostille requirements for birth certificates
Obtaining an apostille or embassy legalization for a New York birth certificate can feel confusing. New York issues several different types of birth certificates—short form, long form, certifications of birth, exemplified certificates (with a Letter of Exemplification), and even certificates in different colors (pink, yellow, white, blue, green). Not all of them qualify for an apostille, so it’s important to know which version you have.
Here are the general guidelines...
If the birth occurred in one of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island):
You will need a long form birth certificate accompanied by a Letter of Exemplification.
The issue date on the birth certificate and the Exemplification Letter must match.
Short form certificates (also called “Certification of Birth”) are not eligible for apostilles.
Old certificates are also not acceptable.
If the birth occurred outside New York City:
You may use a birth certificate (short or long form) issued either by the local registrar or town/city clerk or by the New York State Department of Health in Albany.
If the certificate was issued locally, it must first be authenticated by the county clerk before it can be apostilled. Some counties require newly issued certificates, while others may accept older ones. We handle the county authentication on your behalf. To avoid delays, email us a copy of your certificate for a free document evaluation. We’ll confirm if it’s eligible and advise on the next steps.
Letters of Exemplification are not issued for birth certificates that occured outside the five boroughs of New York City.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?
New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island): Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or www.vitalchek.com
IMPORTANT: when you answer the question “What will you be using this certificate for?”, please select “Apostille/authentication”. Then VitalChek will send you a long form birth certificate with a letter of exemplification.
Other counties: You need to contact the City/Town Clerk where the birth occurred or the NYS Department of Health.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
Send the original birth certificate (and a Letter of Exemplification if the birth occurred in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens or Staten Island) by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a New York apostille. The authentication by the county clerk (if required) is included in the price. Please note that county clerk authentication might require additional processing time.
In the State of New York, as in all U.S. states, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by an eyelet. It is signed by a Deputy Secretary of State (facsimile signature) and has a blue Seal of the Department of State of the State of New York.
New York apostille: $175
Processing time: app. 5 bus. days + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
North Carolina
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North Dakota
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Ohio
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Oklahoma
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