Apostille Certification for Certificates of Naturalization and Divorce Decrees for Marriage Abroad
If you are planning to get married in Mexico or any other foreign country, you may be required to apostille certain documents to prove your citizenship and marital status. Many international jurisdictions mandate that Certificates of Naturalization and Divorce Decrees be properly authenticated before they are legally recognized. At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in fast and hassle-free apostille certification, ensuring your documents meet legal requirements for marriage abroad.
For expert assistance, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
Why Apostille Certification is Required for Marriage Abroad
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention require apostilled documents to confirm their authenticity. Without proper authentication, your paperwork may be rejected by foreign authorities.
Documents That Commonly Require an Apostille for Marriage Abroad
- Certificates of Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Divorce Decrees (U.S. Courts)
- Birth Certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Single Status Affidavits (U.S. Department of State)
- Marriage Certificates (for second marriages) (California Department of Public Health)
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Apostille for Marriage Abroad
Step 1: Obtain Certified Copies of Your Documents
- Naturalization Certificates must be requested from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Divorce Decrees must be obtained from the state court that issued the decree.
- Birth and marriage certificates must be obtained from the California Department of Public Health or your local County Clerk’s Office.
Step 2: Notarization (If Required)
Some documents require notarization before they can be apostilled.
- Use a certified notary public from the National Notary Association.
Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille Certification
- For State-Issued Documents: Submit to the California Secretary of State.
- For Federal Documents: Submit to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.
Step 4: Verify Apostille Requirements for Your Destination Country
- Confirm with the Mexican Embassy or the appropriate foreign consulate.
- Some countries may require certified translations through the American Translators Association.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document
- Your document will be returned with an apostille certificate attached, verifying its authenticity for international use.
- Secure international shipping is available via FedEx and UPS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Apostilling Documents for Marriage in Mexico
1. Submitting an Incorrect Document Format
Only certified copies from official agencies can be apostilled.
2. Failing to Notarize Documents When Required
Documents such as affidavits and power of attorney must be notarized before apostille certification.
3. Applying to the Wrong Apostille Authority
- State-issued documents must be apostilled by the Secretary of State.
- Federal documents must be processed by the U.S. Department of State.
4. Not Translating the Document If Required
Some Mexican and foreign authorities require certified translations before processing apostilled documents.
Expedited Apostille Services for Marriage in Mexico and Other Countries
If you need urgent authentication of your documents for use abroad, we offer:
- Same-day apostille processing for state documents.
- 24-hour turnaround for business and legal documents.
- Rush apostille services for FBI background checks and federal records.
For fast-track apostille services, contact Orange County Apostille today.
Embedded Links for Easy Navigation
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
- FBI Identity History Summary Checks
- U.S. Department of Justice – Criminal Records
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Hague Apostille Convention Members
- National Visa Center – Visa Processing
- National Notary Association – Notary Requirements
- Embassy of Mexico
- California Secretary of State – Apostille
- American Translators Association
- IRS Tax Records
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- California Department of Public Health
- National Center for Health Statistics
- FedEx International Shipping
- UPS International Shipping
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- German Federal Foreign Office
Conclusion
Navigating the apostille and notarization process can be complex, but we make it simple and hassle-free. Whether you need an apostille for Mexico, Spain, or any other country, we are here to help you every step of the way.
For fast and reliable service, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
RESOURCES:
General Apostille & Authentication Information
1. U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
2. Hague Apostille Convention – Official List of Member Countries
3. California Secretary of State – Apostille Certification
4. U.S. Department of Justice – Criminal Records
5. FBI – Identity History Summary Checks (Background Checks)
Citizenship & Immigration Documents
6. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Naturalization Certificate Requests
7. U.S. National Visa Center – Visa Processing
8. Embassy of Mexico – Document Authentication Requirements
9. U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Documentation
10. U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Immigration Status & Travel
Vital Records & Marriage-Related Documents
11. California Department of Public Health – Marriage & Birth Certificates
12. National Center for Health Statistics – Birth & Death Records
13. U.S. Embassy in Mexico – Marriage Requirements
14. National Notary Association – Certified Notary Public Directory
15. American Translators Association – Certified Translation Services
Apostille for Legal & Business Documents
16. U.S. Small Business Administration – Legal Document Authentication
17. U.S. Chamber of Commerce – International Business Documentation
18. IRS – Tax Transcripts & Records
19. U.S. Department of State – Authentication of Federal Documents
20. U.S. Department of Commerce – International Business Compliance
International Consulates & Government Resources
21. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Apostille Process
22. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Legalization of Documents
23. German Federal Foreign Office – Apostille & Legalization
24. FedEx – International Document Shipping
25. UPS – International Express Shipping for Legal Documents