Apostille Services for Getting Married in Vietnam as an American
Getting married in Vietnam as an American requires proper documentation, including apostilled records to ensure they are legally recognized by Vietnamese authorities. The process of obtaining an apostille for marriage-related documents can be complex, but Orange County Apostille simplifies the process for you.
For professional assistance, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
Why Do You Need an Apostille for Marriage in Vietnam?
Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning U.S. documents require both an apostille and further authentication from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The apostille ensures that your documents are legally valid before they are presented for authentication at the embassy.
Common Documents That Require an Apostille for Marriage in Vietnam
- Single Status Affidavit (U.S. Embassy in Vietnam)
- Birth Certificate (CDC Vital Records)
- Divorce Decree (if applicable) (U.S. Courts)
- Death Certificate (if applicable) (National Center for Health Statistics)
- FBI Background Check (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Passport Copy (Notarized and Apostilled) (U.S. Department of State)
- Power of Attorney (if someone is handling your application in Vietnam) (American Bar Association)
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostilling Documents for Marriage in Vietnam
Step 1: Obtain Certified Copies of Required Documents
Before obtaining an apostille, you must acquire certified copies of the necessary documents:
- Birth and marriage records: Obtain from the California Department of Public Health or your local County Clerk’s Office.
- FBI background checks: Request through the FBI Identity History Summary.
- Divorce decrees: Obtain from the U.S. Courts.
Step 2: Notarization (If Required)
Documents like the Single Status Affidavit and passport copies must be notarized before obtaining an apostille.
- Use a licensed notary public from the National Notary Association.
Step 3: Submit Documents for Apostille Certification
For state-issued documents (e.g., birth certificates, divorce decrees), obtain an apostille from the California Secretary of State.
- Processing Time: 5-10 business days
- Expedited Services: Available through Orange County Apostille for 24-hour service
- Submission Options: In-person, by mail, or via a professional apostille service
For federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks, naturalization records), obtain an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
- Processing Time: Approximately two weeks after submission to Washington, D.C.
Step 4: Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate Legalization
Since Vietnam is not a Hague Convention member, you must have your apostilled documents further authenticated at the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C. or a local Vietnamese consulate.
- Processing Time: Varies based on the consulate’s workload
- Requirements: Some consulates may require documents translated into Vietnamese before authentication
Step 5: Translate Your Apostilled Documents into Vietnamese
Vietnamese authorities require all foreign documents to be translated into Vietnamese before they are accepted.
- Work with a certified translator accredited by the American Translators Association.
Step 6: Submit Apostilled and Legalized Documents in Vietnam
Once your documents are apostilled, legalized, and translated, submit them to the Vietnamese People’s Committee Office in the city where you plan to marry.
- Check official requirements with the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Apostilling Documents for Vietnam
1. Submitting Incorrect Documents
Ensure you have the correct version of your Single Status Affidavit and other required documents.
2. Not Checking Document Validity Periods
Vietnamese authorities often require documents issued within the last 3-6 months.
3. Applying for the Wrong Type of Apostille
- State documents require authentication from the California Secretary of State.
- Federal documents require authentication from the U.S. Department of State.
Expedited Apostille Services for Marriage in Vietnam
If you need urgent authentication, expedited services are available:
- Same-day processing for state-issued documents
- 24-hour turnaround for business and legal documents
- Rush apostille services for FBI background checks and federal documents
For fast-track apostille services, contact Orange County Apostille today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
- State Apostilles: 5-10 business days
- Federal Apostilles: Approximately two weeks after reaching Washington, D.C.
- Expedited Services: 24-48 hours for select documents
Do Apostilles Expire?
Apostilles do not expire, but Vietnamese authorities may require recently issued documents.
Can I Apostille a Document Issued in Another State?
Yes, but the apostille must come from the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
What If My Document Needs Legalization Instead of an Apostille?
If your destination country does not accept apostilles, your documents may require embassy legalization. Check with the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.S. for additional requirements.
Conclusion
Obtaining an apostille for marriage in Vietnam ensures your documents meet legal requirements for processing. By following the correct steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
For expert guidance and fast processing, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
