An apostille is actually a type of international certification accustomed to validate documents so They can be legally identified in foreign international locations which are Component of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It confirms the signature, stamp, or seal with a document is genuine.

If you propose to use your U.S.-issued marriage certificate Out of the country, the foreign govt will typically demand it being apostilled.

How come You Need to Apostille a Marriage Certificate?

A marriage certificate can be a legal doc issued by a point out government. If you existing this doc in a foreign region, it need to be authenticated to be accepted.

You may must apostille your marriage certificate for:

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  Applying for just a spousal visa or residency overseas

  
  


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  Registering your relationship in a very international nation

  
  


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  Altering your marital standing on international documents

  
  


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  Implementing for citizenship by means of relationship

  
  


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  Dealing with inheritance or assets rights abroad

  
  


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  Including your husband or wife to insurance policy or economical accounts abroad

  
  

With out an apostille, your marriage certification may very well be rejected by foreign authorities, resulting in discouraging delays or even denial of one's application.

Which International locations Need an Apostille?

Only nations which might be customers in the Hague Apostille Convention will accept an apostilled doc rather than consular legalization.

The best way to Apostille a Marriage Certification (U.S.)

Move 1: Get a Accredited Copy

To apostille your relationship certificate, you’ll have to have a Licensed duplicate issued from the critical information office or county clerk while in the state where you were being married. Photocopies or unofficial documents might be rejected.

???? Tip: In the event your marriage certificate is over five–a decade aged, it’s best to request a latest Licensed copy to stop challenges during apostille.

Move two: Identify the Issuing Point out

Relationship certificates are condition-issued documents, so the apostille must be issued by the Secretary of Point out from the condition exactly where the wedding transpired.

Just about every U.S. condition has its personal process, service fees, and necessities. By way of example:

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  A California relationship certification has to be apostilled in the California Secretary of Condition.

  
  


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  A Texas relationship certificate goes with the Texas Secretary of Condition.

  
  


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  A New York marriage certificate could demand added certification right before apostille.

  
  

✅ Don’t stress — at RAIS Apostille Products and services, we tackle the differences concerning states and enable it to be stress-cost-free to suit your needs.

Step three: Submit the Doc for Apostille

You could submit the doc on to the point out’s apostille Business office, or Enable an expert apostille company take care of it for you. Executing it your self usually takes weeks and will bring about rejection if completed improperly.

With RAIS Apostille Products and services, we deal with all paperwork, expenses, and supply for you personally, guaranteeing a clean and fast process.

Phase 4: Get the Apostilled Doc

The state will attach an apostille certificate for your marriage certification. This formally certifies the doc for use in international nations that acknowledge the apostille.

The apostilled document will then be ready for submission to any international government, company, or Corporation.

Just how long Does It Choose to Apostille a Marriage Certification?

Processing occasions vary by condition, but usually range between:

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  5–15 business days via most Secretary of Condition places of work

  
  


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  two–four company times with expedited apostille companies like RAIS Apostille Products and services