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Social Security

Apostille & Vital Records Request Prep

Prepare certified records and apostille requests easily.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

Varies by state/agency; see official fee schedule

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

2 to 8 weeks depending on jurisdiction

Category

Social Security

Who qualifies

Anyone needing official U.S. vital records (birth, marriage, death) certified with an apostille or authentication certificate for use in a foreign country.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Identify Document Authority

    Determine if your document requires state-level or federal Department of State apostille authentication.

    Watch out: State vital records must be apostilled by the state that issued them, not federal agencies.
    Common rejection reason: Sending state birth certificates to the federal Office of Authentications.
  2. 2

    Order Certified Vital Records

    Request an official certified copy of your vital record bearing an original raised seal or stamp.

    Watch out: Plain photocopies, notarized copies of vital records, and hospital birth souvenirs are invalid.
    Common rejection reason: Submitting non-certified copies or outdated certificates with retired official signatures.
  3. 3

    Complete Authentication Forms

    Prepare the specific apostille request form designating the destination country.

    Watch out: Countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention require multi-step embassy legalizations.
    Common rejection reason: Listing the wrong destination country or missing the mandatory cover sheet.
  4. 4

    Submit Application Package

    Mail or present your certified records, state/federal forms, payment, and pre-paid return mailer.

    Watch out: Do not detach, staple through, or tamper with any attached apostille certificates once received.
    Common rejection reason: Missing return postage or submitting an incorrect payment method.

Documents you'll need

  • Certified Vital Record

    State-issued birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate featuring an official seal and registrar signature.

    Note: Must be an official government copy, not an informational or hospital version.

  • Government Photo ID

    Valid unexpired state driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport for record request verification.

    Note: Required by vital statistics offices to verify entitlement to the record.

  • Apostille Request Form

    Official cover application required by the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.

    Note: Specifies destination country and contact details for delivery.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

Check my eligibility

Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.