Birth Certificate Apostille
At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in obtaining apostilles for U.S. birth certificates that will be used outside of the United States. Whether you were born in California or in another U.S. state, we assist with the necessary authentication process to ensure your birth certificate is legally recognized in any foreign country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Our team understands the specific requirements of each state’s vital records office and the U.S. Department of State, ensuring your documents are properly certified and processed. This service is commonly required for individuals applying for dual citizenship, foreign passports, international marriages, visa applications, school enrollment abroad, or inheritance claims in another country.
At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in providing fast, professional apostille services for birth certificates, particularly for those seeking dual citizenship in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. An apostille is an official certificate issued to authenticate the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, for use in another Hague Convention country. This ensures that your documents will be accepted abroad without the need for additional legalization through a consulate or embassy. Our team is highly experienced in processing California-issued birth certificates for apostille, guaranteeing a smooth and legally compliant experience from start to finish.
If you’re in the process of applying for Italian dual citizenship (cittadinanza italiana) through descent, your U.S. birth certificate must be apostilled before being submitted to the Italian consulate. Italy, as a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1978, requires that all vital records from foreign jurisdictions be accompanied by an apostille to confirm authenticity. For more information on how apostilles work for Italy, visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We frequently assist clients with multi-document submissions for Italian citizenship applications and can help ensure everything is prepared correctly and efficiently.
Many of our clients also seek dual citizenship in Mexico, often for family reunification or retirement purposes. Mexico became a Hague Apostille Convention member in 1995, and Mexican authorities require all foreign birth certificates to be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator. You can learn more about Mexico’s apostille requirements by visiting the Secretaría de Gobernación. At Orange County Apostille, we can handle both the apostille and translation services, ensuring your documents are ready for submission to the appropriate Mexican immigration office.
Countries like Spain and France, which have been members since 1978 and 1965 respectively, also require apostilled birth certificates for dual nationality or residency applications. Whether you are joining family abroad, applying for a visa, or obtaining citizenship by descent, we simplify the process so you can focus on the next chapter of your life. Spanish consulates, in particular, are strict about proper document authentication, and our team ensures your California-issued documents meet all Spanish government requirements. For guidance on Spain’s process, refer to Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores.
The United Kingdom, which joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965, is another common destination for clients pursuing dual citizenship. Whether your eligibility stems from ancestral ties or legal residency requirements, having your birth certificate apostilled is one of the first essential steps. The UK accepts apostilled documents for immigration, education, and legal proceedings. You can read more about the UK’s policy on apostilles through the UK Government website.
We also serve clients pursuing opportunities in Brazil, Argentina, and Australia, all of which are Hague Convention countries. Brazil joined in 2016, while Argentina has been a member since 2001. These countries require apostilled documents for visa and citizenship processes, including marriage registration, work permits, and residency visas. For official guidance on Brazil’s requirements, visit Ministério das Relações Exteriores. Our team ensures your birth certificate is properly apostilled and ready for consular use in any of these nations.
In countries like Japan and South Korea, where the documentation process is often complex and bureaucratic, having a correctly apostilled birth certificate is critical. Japan has been a member since 1970, and South Korea since 2007. These countries require authenticated documents for everything from school enrollment to marriage registration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea offer detailed instructions, but our service can help you avoid common pitfalls and costly delays.
For those seeking citizenship or residence in Switzerland or the Netherlands, which joined the Hague Convention in 1973 and 1965 respectively, apostilled birth certificates are often required by civil registries and immigration offices. We help ensure your documents are not only apostilled but also compliant with the additional requirements these countries may impose, such as certified translations or notarizations. You can explore more about the Dutch system on the Government of the Netherlands website.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate international documentation requirements, especially when dealing with multiple agencies and jurisdictions. At Orange County Apostille, we guide you every step of the way—from retrieving a certified copy of your California birth certificate, to ensuring it is properly notarized (if applicable), apostilled by the California Secretary of State, and optionally translated if required. Learn more about California’s process at the California Secretary of State Apostille Page.
In summary, no matter which Hague Apostille Convention country you are preparing your birth certificate for—be it Italy, Mexico, France, Japan, or the UK—we are here to help. Our clients include individuals applying for dual citizenship, international marriage, foreign residency, and global work opportunities. We provide expedited service, document pickup and drop-off options, and expert review to ensure compliance and acceptance abroad. For a full list of member countries, visit the official HCCH Members List. Trust Orange County Apostille to make your international documentation process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
The apostille process for birth certificates involves several steps to make the document legally valid in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention:
- Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the issuing authority (typically the vital records office).
- Notarization (if required): Some states require the document to be notarized.
- Submit to Our Office for the apostille certification.
- The apostille verifies the document for international use in Hague member countries.
Once processed, the document is ready for legal use abroad.
You need an apostilled birth certificate for dual citizenship to prove your identity and place of birth to a foreign government. The apostille verifies that the birth certificate is an official, legitimate document recognized internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention. This is important when applying for citizenship, passports, or other legal matters in a foreign country, ensuring that your birth certificate is accepted without needing additional authentication or legalization steps.
How to Become a Dual Citizen With Mexico
Step 1
Gather Required Documents (Originals + Certified Copies)
Step 2
Make an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate
Step 3
Apply for a Mexican Passport
Step 4
Apply for a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población)
Common Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our services.
Why do I need to apostille my birth certificate for dual citizenship?
When applying for dual citizenship, your U.S. birth certificate must be legally recognized in the other country. Many countries require authentication through the Hague Apostille Convention, which standardizes international document recognition. Without an apostille, your birth certificate may be rejected by foreign immigration or civil registration authorities. Apostilles verify that your birth certificate was legally issued and is authentic. This is a mandatory requirement for most dual citizenship applications in Hague Convention countries like Italy, Mexico, and France. For a list of member countries, visit the HCCH official website.
What information must be on the birth certificate for it to be apostilled?
To be eligible for apostille, your birth certificate must be a certified copy issued by the state’s vital records office. In California, this means it should be issued by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records or the county recorder. It must contain the state seal, authorized signature, and proper formatting. Short-form or hospital-issued birth certificates are usually not accepted for apostille. We can help you retrieve an eligible copy if you don’t have one. More on certified copies can be found at the CDPH Vital Records page.
Which countries require an apostille for dual citizenship applications?
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention require apostilled documents instead of embassy legalization. Examples include Italy, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Argentina, and South Korea. Each of these nations requires foreign civil documents like birth certificates to be apostilled to ensure their authenticity. If your target country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional legalization steps may be needed. Apostilling your birth certificate is often the first step in the citizenship by descent process. For an updated list, refer to the Hague Convention members table.
Can I use a notarized copy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?
No, notarized copies of birth certificates are not valid for apostille. Only certified vital records issued directly from the appropriate government agency are accepted. The California Secretary of State requires the original certified document with the appropriate seal and official signature. If a document needs notarization, it must be for non-vital records, such as an affidavit. Attempting to apostille a notarized birth certificate may result in rejection. Learn more at the California Secretary of State Apostille Guide.
How do I get a certified copy of my California birth certificate for apostille?
You can request a certified copy through the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records or the local County Recorder’s Office. Some counties offer walk-in services, while others require mail-in requests or online applications. It’s important to request the long-form (authorized) certificate, as it contains all necessary details for international use. Once received, we can begin the apostille process immediately. Our team can even assist you in ordering your birth certificate if needed. Start your request through the California Vital Records site.
Can I track my order?
Yes, you can track your order status online by logging into your account. Tracking information will also be emailed to you once it’s shipped.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. This makes it easy for you to choose how to pay.
Do you have a loyalty program?
Yes, we have a loyalty program that rewards frequent customers. Check out our website for details on how to join.
How do I reset my password?
If you need to reset your password, simply follow the link on the login page. You’ll receive an email to set a new password.
Can I change my order?
You can change your order within a limited time frame after it’s placed. Please contact us if you need to make changes.
