Cost & Timeline
State Fee
$2–$25 per document (state fee varies)
Plus service and shipping fees
Standard Processing
5–10 business days
After document received
Expedited Processing
1–3 business days (most states)
Additional fee applies
Birth certificate apostille processing times vary by state. Most states process apostilles in 5–10 business days for standard requests. Many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce turnaround to 1–3 business days. The state fee ranges from $2 to $25 per document depending on the state. Our service fee covers document review, submission to the correct Secretary of State, and secure return shipping.
Who Needs a Birth Certificate Apostille?
- Individuals applying for dual citizenship or a second passport
- Immigration applicants filing petitions with USCIS or foreign embassies
- Parents processing international adoptions
- People getting married abroad who need proof of identity
- Students enrolling in foreign universities requiring identity verification
- Professionals relocating internationally for work
- Families processing inheritance or estate claims in a foreign country
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the birth certificate (state-issued, with registrar seal)
- Government-issued photo ID (for identity verification)
- Completed apostille request form (varies by state)
- Prepaid return shipping label (if mailing)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a hospital-issued birth certificate instead of a state-certified copy
- Using a decorative or commemorative birth certificate — these are never accepted
- Sending the birth certificate to the wrong state — it must be apostilled by the state that issued it
- Submitting an informational copy that lacks the registrar's raised seal or signature
- Not verifying whether the destination country requires a recent certified copy (some countries require copies issued within the last 6 months)
- Attempting to apostille a foreign-issued birth certificate through a U.S. Secretary of State — only U.S.-issued documents qualify
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your documents for apostille processing today. Our team reviews every submission to ensure it meets requirements — avoiding rejections and delays.
Free document review included — we check your documents before processing.
Step-by-Step Process
Obtain a Certified Copy
Request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Hospital-issued or decorative certificates are not accepted.
Verify the Document Format
The certified copy must bear the official seal and signature of the state registrar or county clerk. Informational copies without the registrar's signature will be rejected.
Submit to the Secretary of State
Send the certified birth certificate to the Secretary of State in the issuing state. Each state has its own apostille office and processing fees.
Receive Your Apostilled Document
The Secretary of State attaches the apostille certificate, which authenticates the document for use in any of the 120+ Hague Convention countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apostille a birth certificate?+
Can I apostille a birth certificate from any state?+
Do I need an original birth certificate or will a copy work?+
How long does a birth certificate apostille take?+
What if my birth certificate was issued in a different state than where I live?+
Can I use an apostilled birth certificate for USCIS immigration applications?+
Why Choose 1Apostille
All 50 States
We process apostilles nationwide — every state covered.
Document Review
Free pre-submission review to prevent rejections.
Fast Processing
Standard and expedited options available.
Secure Handling
Your documents are handled with care and confidentiality.
Start Your Birth Certificate Apostille Today
Let our experienced team handle the complete apostille process for you — from document review to Secretary of State submission and secure delivery.