Planning to live, study, marry, or work abroad? You’ll likely need to submit your Apostille Birth Certificate—and in many cases, it must be apostilled to be legally recognized in a foreign country.

At Rais Apostille, we specialize in helping individuals apostille U.S.-issued documents, including birth certificates, for use in over 120 countries around the world. Our team manages the process from start to finish—so you don’t have to worry about complex government procedures or costly mistakes.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a U.S. Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State that authenticates the origin of a public document. It verifies the signature, stamp, or seal on the document so it can be legally accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

When applied to a birth certificate, the apostille confirms that the document is a valid, certified copy issued by the appropriate U.S. authority.

When Do You Need an Apostille for a Birth Certificate?

Apostilled birth certificates are often required when you are:

• Applying for dual citizenship or a foreign passport

• Getting married in another country

• Enrolling a child in school abroad

• Applying for immigration, visa, or residency programs

• Adopting a child internationally

• Transferring estate or inheritance documents overseas

If your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, they will require an apostille, not just a notarized or translated copy.

Countries That Require an Apostille for Birth Certificates

Any country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention will accept apostilled birth certificates. This includes:

• France

• Spain

• Germany

• Italy

• India

• Portugal

• Netherlands

• South Korea

• Colombia

• Mexico

• Australia

If the country is not part of the Hague Convention (like China, UAE, or Qatar), you will likely need embassy or consular legalization instead. Rais Apostille offers both apostille and embassy legalization services.

Who Can Request an Apostille for a Birth Certificate?

The apostille process must be requested by:

• The person named on the certificate (if an adult)

• A parent or legal guardian (for a minor)

• A legal representative or attorney with proper authorization

If you’re working on behalf of someone else, you may need a power of attorney to complete the process. Rais Apostille can assist with preparing the proper authorizations if required.

How to Get an Apostille for a Birth Certificate

At Rais Apostille, we’ve simplified the process into five easy steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate

You must have a certified copy of the birth certificate issued by the state’s vital records office or county registrar. It must bear an official signature, seal, or stamp. Hospital-issued or photocopied documents are not acceptable.

If you don’t have one, Rais Apostille can help you obtain a new certified copy from the relevant authority.

Step 2: Determine the State of Issuance

Apostille certificates are issued by the Secretary of State in the same state where the birth certificate was issued. This is important because each state has its own rules and processing times.

Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille

We submit your certified birth certificate to the correct state office. Some states require additional forms or notarization steps. Our team ensures everything is submitted correctly and promptly.

Step 4: Apostille Issuance

The Secretary of State will attach an apostille certificate to the birth certificate, confirming its authenticity for international use.

Step 5: Secure Return Delivery

Once apostilled, Rais Apostille securely ships your birth certificate back to your U.S. or international address, ready for official submission.

Apostille Processing Time

Processing times vary by state, but typical timelines include:

• Standard Service: 3–7 business days

• Expedited Service: 1–2 business days (available in select states)

• Same-Day Service: Available in limited states with walk-in options

Rais Apostille offers rush and emergency services for clients who need apostilles urgently.

Do You Need Notarization Before Apostille?

For a certified birth certificate, notarization is usually not required. The document is already considered an official government record. However, if you are submitting a translation or supporting affidavit with the birth certificate, those documents may need to be notarized first.

Rais Apostille provides notary and translation support if needed.

Do You Need a Translation?

If you are submitting your apostilled birth certificate to a non-English-speaking country, you may need a certified translation of the document.

Rais Apostille offers professional translation services into over 100 languages, including:

• Spanish

• French

• Italian

• German

• Portuguese

• Arabic

• Russian

• Chinese

• Korean

• Japanese

We also certify and notarize translations when required by foreign authorities.

Apostille vs. Legalization

If your destination country is part of the Hague Convention, apostille is the only certification you need. If your destination is not a member, you will need a more complex process called legalization, which involves:

• Certification from the Secretary of State

• Authentication by the U.S. Department of State

• Legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate

Rais Apostille handles both apostille and embassy legalization, guiding you through the correct route based on your specific destination.

Why Choose Rais Apostille?

Nationwide Coverage

We serve all 50 U.S. states and process federal documents from Washington, D.C.

Fast Turnaround

We offer standard, expedited, and same-day services depending on your needs and location.

One-Stop Solution

From certified copies to translation, notarization, apostille, and delivery—everything is handled in-house for maximum efficiency and accuracy.

Expert Guidance

Our specialists guide you through every step of the process to avoid delays, rejections, or additional fees.

Secure Handling

All documents are managed with strict confidentiality and returned via trackable courier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apostille a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. Only certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency are eligible for apostille. Rais Apostille can help you request a certified copy if needed.

2. How much does it cost to apostille a birth certificate?

Fees vary by state and service level (standard or expedited). Additional costs may apply for translations or notarization. Contact Rais Apostille for a clear, upfront quote.

3. Can I use Apostille services if I’m currently outside the U.S.?

Yes. You can mail your documents to us from abroad, and we will apostille them and ship them back internationally.

4. How long is the apostille valid?

An apostille itself does not expire, but the underlying document (like a birth certificate) may have age limitations depending on the foreign authority. Some countries require documents issued within the past 6–12 months.

5. Is apostille the same in every state?

The apostille process is similar across states, but each state has its own rules, processing times, and required forms. Rais Apostille ensures compliance with the specific rules of your issuing state.

Get Started with Apostille for Your Birth Certificate Today

Whether you’re applying for dual citizenship, planning an international wedding, or submitting paperwork for a foreign visa, apostilling your birth certificate is a crucial step. With Rais Apostille, you can be confident that your document is handled quickly, correctly, and securely.