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.

New Jersey Hague apostille
Quick guide: state requirements, retrieval, apostilles

Alabama

Alabama apostille requirements for birth certificates

arizona birth certificate 2All 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)

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an Alabama apostille?

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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.

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Get an Alabama apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Alabama apostille.

What does an Alabama apostille look like?

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."

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Alabama apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: 8-10 bus. days + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Alaska

Alaska apostille requirements for birth certificates

alaska birth certificate

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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an Alaska apostille?

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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.

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Get an Alaska apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Alaska apostille.

What does an Alaska apostille look like?

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Alaska apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: 8-10 bus. days + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Arizona

Arizona apostille requirements for birth certificates

arizona birth certificate 2To 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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?

where to get an Arizona birth certificateArizona 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.

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Get an Arizona apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Arizona apostille.

What does an Arizona apostille look like?
Sample of Arizona apostille certificate for document legalization

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Arizona apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Arkansas

Arkansas apostille requirements for birth certificates

arkansas birth certificateTo 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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?

where to get an Arkansas birth certificateTo 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.

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Get an Arkansas apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for an Arkansas apostille.

What does an Arkansas apostille look like?

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Arkansas apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

California

California apostille requirements for birth certificates

birth certificateFor birth and death certificates, the California Secretary of State can issue an Apostille for the signatures of:

- county clerks and their deputies,
- county recorders and their deputies, and
- the State Registrar (California Department of Public Health).

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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for a California apostille?

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(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.

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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.

What does a California apostille look like?
California Hague 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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4California apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Colorado

Colorado apostille requirements for birth certificates

birth certificateCertified copies issued by Vital Records of Colorado.

Notarized copies are not eligible for apostilles.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for a Colorado apostille?

order online icon

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.

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Get a Colorado apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for a Colorado apostille.

What does a Colorado apostille look like?
Hague apostille from Colorado

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Colorado apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
You will find more shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 10 bus. days + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Connecticut

Connecticut apostille requirements for birth certificates

birth certificateThe following birth certificates are eligible for Connecticut apostilles: certified copies issued by

- Town Clerks and their duly appointed assistants and deputies
- Local Registrars of Vital Statistics and their duly appointed assistants and deputies
- State Registrar / Department of Public Health

Notarized copies are not eligible for apostilles.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for a Connecticut apostille?

order online icon

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.

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Get a Connecticut apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for a Connecticut apostille.

What does a Connecticut apostille look like?
Connectictu 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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Connecticut apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

Delaware

Delaware apostille requirements for birth certificates

birth certificateDelaware 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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for a Delaware apostille?

order online icon

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.

Text Here

Get a Delaware apostille

Send the original birth certificate by mail for a Delaware apostille.

What does a Delaware apostille look like?

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Delaware apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
You will find more shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.

DC

Florida

Florida apostille requirements for birth certificates

Florida birth certificate apostille

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

  • Birth certificates issued by local Health Departments are not eligible for apostilles / legalization.

  • Birth certificates signed by a Deputy State Registrar are not eligible for apostilles / legalization.

  • 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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?

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Get a Florida apostille

What does a Florida apostille look like?
Florida hague 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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4Florida apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order form

Processing time: 4-6 bus. days + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

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

New Jersey birth certificate apostille

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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?

order onlineWe 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.

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Get a New Jersey apostille

What does a New Jersey apostille look like?
NJ Hague 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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4New Jersey apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
More shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 2 weeks + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

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

New York birth certificate apostille

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.

tip 2An 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.

IMPORTANT 2The 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.

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Where to get a certified copy eligible for an apostille?

order onlineYou 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.

importantIMPORTANT: 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.

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Get a New York apostille

What does a New York apostille look like?
Hague apostille from New York

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.

Price, processing time, order form

price 4New York apostille: $175

USPS Priority mail (within the U.S.): free
You will find more shipping options in the Order Form

Processing time: app. 5 bus. days + mail

order form 3Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to

Foreign Documents Express
331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1
4th Floor, Suite 143
Red Bank, NJ 07701

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.

150 1501872 100 money back guarantee circle clipartNo 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

free evaluation 3

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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exemplification letterIf 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. 

A Letter of exemplification is a separate page attached to a New York City long form birth certificate. It is hand-signed by a Deputy City Registrar and attests that the attached birth certificate is a true copy of the actual record.

Exemplification letters can only be attached to the NYC long form birth certificates at the time a certified copy is issued. You cannot request a Letter of Exemplification separately. However, a long form birth certificate is acceptable for an apostille with or without a Letter of Exemplification, provided it is original and has a raised seal.

 


Where do I get a certified copy of the long form birth certificate with a Letter of exemplification?

If you were born within the five boroughs of New York City, you first option is to apply in person or mail the request to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 125 Worth Street, New York, NY, 10013.

tip 2

When ordering, specify that you need the birth certificate for foreign use, then you will get a Letter of exemplification.

tip 2 You will not be able to get a long form birth certificate over the counter. It will be mailed to you within two-three weeks. Short form birth certificates can be obtained over the counter.

Your second option is to use a private online service called VitalCheck that is the only agent authorized by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to assist you with the retrieval of your birth certificate. When ordering, you must specify that the purpose of your request is APOSTILLE/AUTHENTICATION. Then, most likely, you will get your birth certificate woth a Letter of Exemplification. VitalCheck works OK, they also mail documents to foreign countries.

Is it true that an Exemplification letter is required in order to get a long form birth certificate legalized by an apostille or by a foreign embassy?

New! Effective Febrruary 11, 2025 birth certificates (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) must be accompanied by a Letter of Exemplification.

New! Effective February 11, 2025 short form birth certificates are not accepted for apostilles.

Foreign Documents Express

 

331 Newman Springs Rd., Bldg. 1

4th Floor, Suite 143

Red Bank, NJ 07701

 

Phone: (646) 267-1140

Fax: (507) 473-8251

Email: ForeignDocumentsExpress@gmail.com

 

 
         

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