U.S. Apostille FAQ – Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Death Certificates & POA
Clear, step-by-step answers + instant-download guides (English / Español).
If you’re presenting a U.S. document abroad, you may need an apostille (Hague Convention). This master FAQ explains what you need for common documents and links to our simple DIY guides. Prefer full service? We can handle it for you.
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Divorce Decree
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Death Certificate
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Power of Attorney (POA)
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Quick links
Birth Certificate Apostille
Do I need the original or a certified copy?
Use a recent certified copy from the state or county vital records (official seal/signature). Photocopies and hospital keepsakes aren’t valid.
Which state issues the apostille?
The same state that issued the certificate. A NY birth certificate → apostille by NY authorities.
Short form vs. long form?
Many destinations prefer the long (full) form. When unsure, order the long form before apostilling.
Do I need notarization?
Usually no for vital records—the state apostilles the registrar’s signature. A fresh certified copy is safest.
How long does it take?
Varies by state—from days to weeks. Our guide links to each state’s current timing and any rush options.
Marriage Certificate Apostille
What certificate version do I need?
A certified copy issued by the county/state with official seal/signature. Some destinations require the “long form.”
Who issues the apostille?
The state where the certificate was issued.
Do I need notarization first?
Not for a genuine vital record. If you only have a copy, check your state—some allow a notarized copy, but the best practice is ordering a fresh certified copy.
Translations?
If required, get a certified translation after the apostille. Some countries accept English, many do not.
Divorce Decree Apostille
What document version is acceptable?
A court-certified copy of the final judgment/decree from the court clerk (not an attorney’s office copy).
Which state handles the apostille?
The state of the court that issued the decree.
Do I need notarization or extra steps?
Many states apostille the court clerk’s signature directly. Some jurisdictions require an intermediate county certification for court documents—check your state’s instructions in our guide.
What about sealed/older decrees?
Request a new certified copy. If sealed, follow the court’s procedure to obtain a certifiable public copy suitable for apostille.
Death Certificate Apostille
What do I submit?
A recent certified copy from the state or county vital records office.
Where is the apostille issued?
By the same state that issued the certificate.
Is notarization required?
Typically no—the state apostilles the registrar’s signature. If you only have a photocopy, order a new certified copy.
Do I need translations?
Often yes. Obtain the apostille first, then a certified translation into the destination country’s language.
Power of Attorney (POA) Apostille
What’s the first step for a POA?
Proper notarization in the same state where you will request the apostille. Use correct ID, venue, and notarial certificate wording.
Who issues the apostille?
The Secretary of State of the state where the POA was notarized. Some states require a county authentication prior to state apostille—our guide links to the exact steps.
Any formatting tips?
Use a clear notarial certificate (acknowledgment or jurat) attached to the POA, with the notary’s commissioned name, date, and stamp. Avoid cross-outs and blank fields.
Translations and destination rules?
Many destinations require a certified translation and sometimes specific POA content. Confirm with the receiving authority before you notarize.
General Apostille Questions
Hague vs. non-Hague—what’s the difference?
Hague countries accept an apostille. Non-Hague countries require consular legalization (extra steps). Our guides explain which you need.
How long does it take?
Depends on the state and season: a few days to several weeks. We include current state links and rush/mailing tips.
Can I apostille a document from another state?
You can submit it by mail from anywhere, but the apostille must be issued by the same state that issued (or notarized) the document.
Should I get the translation before or after the apostille?
Usually after the apostille, so the translator can reference final stamps. Follow the destination’s preference.
Tip: Use trackable mailing, include a self-addressed return envelope, and keep scans of everything you submit.
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Birth: Etsy EN · Etsy ES · Marriage: Etsy EN · Etsy ES
Divorce · Death · POA guides coming soon — bookmark this page or follow us on social for updates.
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Visit CaliforniaApostille.us or email apostilleh@gmail.com.
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