To use a specific document in another country, you may need to authenticate it. You’ll either get an authentication certificate or an apostille as verification. This applies to marriage, birth, and death certificates. But how can you apostille a marriage certificate?
To apostille your marriage certificate, you must get a certified copy of the document. Then, you must notarize the document before requesting this authentication. Read this article if you’re looking for a complete guide through the process.
Table of Contents
Do I Need To Apostille My Marriage Certificate?
You’ll need to apostille your marriage certificate when submitting international applications that require proof of marriage. Apostilling a marriage certificate involves verifying its authenticity so that it is legally recognizable in a foreign country. Here is when you’ll need it.
1. For Immigration and Residency Applications
When one spouse applies for entry or residency in another country, they usually have to prove their marital status. Apostilling a marriage certificate verifies the authenticity of that document for use in the country they are visiting.
2. Getting Employment Abroad
When getting employment abroad, vital records like employment letters and identification documents are usually necessary. However, when submitting proof of marriage for the application process, you may need to apostille your marriage certificate.
3. Admission and Scholarship Applications
You may need extra documents besides your educational documents, like school transcripts and degrees. Some countries and institutions request your marital status if you apply for scholarships or admission. If you’re married, you may need to provide proof of marriage, especially if your admission covers family members.
4. Adoption Procedures
The international adoption process usually requires a couple’s apostille marriage certificate during the adoption application process. Besides simply tendering your marriage license or certificate, this apostilled document ensures that the documents are legally binding.
5. Inheritance and Property Rights
If you or your spouse inherit property or assets abroad, you may need an apostille marriage certificate to claim them. Most foreign authorities require these documents to establish your marital status for legal or tax purposes.
How Do I Apostille My Marriage Certificate?
You’ll need to get a certified copy of the document to apostille your marriage certificate. From there, you must notarize the document before sending it to the necessary authorities for apostilling. Here are the steps to get this authentication for your marriage certificate.
1. Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
Before starting the apostilling process, get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Since it is a public document, you can get it from the office where you originally filed it. For instance, you can get it from your state’s Department of Health or the Marriage Bureau.
You can also get it from the closest public official authority, such as a county clerk or the government records office. Ensure that they certify the original document. If you send the document to another country, you may need a marriage certificate translation.
In this case, you must get a certified translation of the document. The certification involves a professional attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the document.
2. Notarize the Document
Notarize the document before looking for the necessary authorities to perform the apostilling. This step adds an additional layer of authentication to the document. This involves taking the document to a notary public who adds a seal after verifying the certifier’s identity.
3. Identify the Apostille Authority
Different countries have varying designated authorities for issuing apostille stamps. In the U.S., the Department of State issues these documents. In other countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Justice Ministry may handle this process.
That is why you must identify the specific authority to ensure you send your request to the correct place. Once you’ve found your answer, the next step is to fill out and send your application.
4. Complete and Send the Documents
Fill out the necessary forms required for the apostille application. You’ll get the needed information on the apostille authority’s website. Depending on your choice, you may need to submit your documents online or in person when sending apostille requests.
Either way, include the certified copy of your birth certificate, your completed application form, and all the necessary documents. You’ll also pay a fee, usually about $10 per document. You may need to make debit or credit card payments or pay with cash.
5. Wait for the Document’s To Be Processed
Depending on demand and your location, there are different processing times for apostilling marriage certificates. On average, receiving your document takes a few days to several weeks. Some authorities offer expedited options for an extra fee.
Once it is ready, you’ll receive your apostilled document. It may come with a stamp, new page, or an embossed seal. If you mailed the document, the authority will mail it back to you.
Tips for Getting an Apostille Marriage Certificate
When apostilling your marriage certificate, you must pay attention to several factors. These help you streamline the process and avoid delays that may affect your application. Here are the tips to consider when getting a marriage certificate apostille stamp:
- Verify the requirements beforehand: Different regions and countries have varying requirements for apostilles. Therefore, you must check these requirements before you start. This will help you avoid costly delays down the line.
- Always get a certified copy of the certificate: The marriage certificate you submit for apostilling must have a certification seal. This certification should come from a county clerk or any relevant public official’s office.
- Hire a professional service if you’re busy: If you do not have the time to prepare and send your request, consider hiring a professional service. Many agencies help out with these requests. Since they understand the process better, they ensure that all your documents meet the requirements.
- Translate your documents if necessary: If you’re sending the documents to a country that speaks a different language, you’ll need apostille translations. This may involve getting certified or notarized translations.
Translate Your Marriage Certificate at Rapid Translate
You may need its translation when trying to apostille a marriage certificate, especially if you’re sending it to another country. In this case, working with a reputable translation agency is important to create accurate results.
That is why Rapid Translate offers highly accurate marriage certificate translations. Our highly experienced professionals offer certified services and notarized translations. For just $27.99 per page, you will get your translations within 24 hours.
The agency also offers 24/7 support for customers. In addition to marriage certificate translations, the agency offers legal, medical, business, and immigration translations. So, why wait?
Make your order with Rapid Translate now!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered how to apostille a wedding certificate let’s answer some frequently asked questions!
Why do I need an apostille for my marriage certificate?
You’ll need an apostille for your marriage certificate to legally validate it for use in foreign countries. It verifies the document’s authenticity, making it valid for international applications like immigration, employment, and adoption.
How much does apostilling a marriage certificate cost?
It costs between $10 and $50 to apostille a marriage certificate. However, this figure varies among different countries and issuing agencies. Still, additional costs for expedited processing, mailing, and hiring professional services may exist.
What are the steps to get an Apostille on my marriage certificate?
To get an Apostille for your marriage certificate, just follow these steps:
1. Obtain a certified copy of your certificate.
2. Notarize it.
3. Complete the documents.
4. Find the relevant authority to send the documents.
5. Wait for them to be processed.
