What You Need to Know About Apostilling Your Marriage Certificate

Make sure you're ready to go on a honeymoon in your dream destination with Apostille services. Get all the information here to find out what is needed for an apostille for marriage certificates.

An apostille is a form of certification that allows a marriage certificate to be legally recognized in international contexts. To have an issue authenticated by an Apostille, you may need to follow certain state and foreign country guidelines. Here's what you need to know about obtaining an apostille for your marriage certificate.

What Is An Apostille?

An apostille is a form of certification provided by governmental authorities to validate the authenticity of documents. It verifies that a document has been issued by an authorized agency. In the context of international marriages, an apostilled marriage certificate is a document recognized in both the US and another country as confirming that a valid marriage took place.

To obtain an apostille for a marriage or birth certificate, the first step is to ensure that the document is properly issued and certified. This typically involves obtaining the document from the relevant government agency, such as the county clerk's office or the department of vital statistics. The document should have an original signature and seal from a government official.

Once the document is properly issued, it must be authenticated by the appropriate government agency in the state where the document was issued. This can typically be done by submitting the document to the Secretary of State's office or a designated official in the state government. The document will then be stamped or sealed with an apostille.

What Documents Are Required To Obtain an Apostille For A Birth and Marriage Certificate?

In order to obtain an Apostille for marriage and birth certificates, you will need to provide the original signed and notarized or registered and valid marriage certificate, as well as two copies of the marriage certificate. You will also need a valid photo I.D. from each spouse involved and valid passports from both parties.

Where Do I Get My Marriage Certificate Apostilled?

Generally, to obtain a marriage certificate apostille you will need to contact the secretary of state or other authority responsible for issuing apostilles in the state where the marriage was performed. The secretary of state’s website should have information about how to apply for an apostille.

How Much Does It Cost To Apostille a Marriage Certificate?

The cost to have a marriage certificate apostille can vary depending on the issuing state and other factors. Some states charge a fee for applying, while others may require additional documents like birth certificates or proof of identity. Once you contact the secretary of state or other offices responsible for providing apostilles, they will be able to provide an estimated cost.

How Long Does The Apostille Process Take?

The amount of time it takes for an Apostille for marriage and birth certificates to be processed can vary between states. Generally, however, it should take no longer than a week to receive your apostilled marriage certificate. You may need to pay an additional fee for expedited processing if you need the document quickly for travel or other purposes. Make sure that you contact the issuing office beforehand to get an estimate of how long the process will take.

Obtaining an apostille for a marriage or birth certificate is a process that typically involves several steps. The first step is to ensure that the document is properly issued and certified. This typically involves obtaining the document from the relevant government agency, such as the county clerk's office or the department of vital statistics. The document should have an original signature and seal from a government official.

Once the document is properly issued, it must be authenticated by the appropriate government agency in the state where the document was issued. This can typically be done by submitting the document to the Secretary of State's office or a designated official in the state government.