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)
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 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
For birth and death certificates, the California Secretary of State can issue an Apostille for the signatures of:
If your birth or death certificate was issued by a city- or county-level agency and has the signature of a Health Officer or County Registrar (e.g. Local Registrar, Registrar of Vital Records), prior to submitting the document for an apostille, one of the following may be required:
- county clerk authentication in the county where the certificate was issued, or
- obtaining a new certified copy of the birth certificate from the county recorder or State of California Department of Public Health.
The signature, name, and title of the public official can be found at the bottom of a birth certificate.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for a California apostille?
(1) County recorder in the county where the birth was registered: County Registrars and Recorders. Do not order from the "Local Registrar of Births and Deaths". The apostille procedure will be longer and more expensive!
(2) State of California Department of Public Health
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a California apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for a California apostille.
* If your birth certificate is signed by a Health Officer of Local Registrar, there is an additional fee for the county authentication.
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
Certified copies issued by Vital Records of Colorado.
Notarized copies are not eligible for apostilles.
Where to get a certified copy eligible for a Colorado apostille?
In the State of Colorado certified copies of birth certificates are issued by Vital Records Office of Colorado
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a Colorado apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for 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.
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 a Connecticut apostille?
Connecticut birth certificates can be obtained from the Town Clerk or the Department of Public Heath, Vital Records Unit.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get a Connecticut apostille
Send the original birth certificate by mail for a Connecticut apostille.
Please be aware that, starting in 2025, Connecticut apostilles will 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. 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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Kentucky
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Louisiana
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Maine
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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Mississppi
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Missouri
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Montana
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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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.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Get 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. 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.
New Mexico
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New York
New York apostille requirements for birth certificates
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island:
Long form birth certificates accompanied by a Letter of Exemplification.
Short form birth certificates (Certifications of Birth) are no longer acceptable for apostilles.
An Exemplification letter can only be attached to a NYC long form birth certificate at the time a certified copy is issued. You cannot request a Letter of Exemplification separately.
The dates of issue on the birth certificate and the Letter of Exemplification must be the same. Otherwise, the certificate will be rejected by the New York County Clerk's office (which is the required step before the certificate is submitted for an apostille).
Other counties of New York State:
If the event the birth took place in the State of New York, outside the five boroughs on New York City, then the record (birth certificate) will be on file in two places: (a) with the local town/city/county registrar and (b) in the Vital Records Bureau of the New York State Department of Health in Albany.
Old documents issued by the NYS Department of Helath in Albany are acceptable for apostille purposes. The certificates can be signed by Robert LoCicero, Guy Warner, Peter M. Carucci, Thomas L. Heckert, Jr., Mary E. Hefner.
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?
You can order a certified copy of your Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island birth certificate directly from the NYC Department of Health or from VitalChek.
IMPORTANT: when you answer the question “What will you be using this certificate for?”, please select “Apostille/authentication”. Then your will get a long form birth certificate with a letter of exemplification.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email a copy for a free document evaluation.
Other counties of New York State:
You can order a certified copy of the birth certificate from the NYS Department of Health in Albany or from the local registrar.
If you have an original birth certificate, you can email it for a free document evaluation.
Get a New York apostille
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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Oregon
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Pennsylvania
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Rhode Island
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Tennessee
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Texas
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Utah
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Vermont
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Virginia
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West Virginia
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Washington
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
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If you were born in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island, and ordered a long form birth certificate specificatlly for foreign use, you will get a birth certificate with a Letter of Exemplification. 
