Marriage Certificate FAQ

 

 

What is a marriage certificate apostille?

A marriage certificate apostille is an official certification that validates a U.S. marriage certificate for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Miami Dade Apostille processes marriage certificate apostilles from all 50 states and Washington D.C.

 

Why do I need an apostille for my marriage certificate?

Foreign governments often require apostilled marriage certificates for visas, dual citizenship, name changes, inheritance, or residency. Miami Dade Apostille ensures your marriage certificate is properly authenticated for international use.

 

Where do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

You must request it from the Vital Records Office or county clerk in the state where the marriage took place. Miami Dade Apostille can then process the apostille.

 

Do marriage certificates need to be notarized before apostille?

No. Apostilles are issued only for certified copies from the issuing state, not notarized copies.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille process marriage certificates from any state?

Yes. We handle marriage certificate apostilles from all U.S. states and Washington D.C., regardless of where you were married.

 

How long does it take to apostille a marriage certificate?

Processing times vary by state but usually take a few business days. Miami Dade Apostille also offers expedited services for urgent deadlines.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille provide certified translations of my marriage certificate?

Yes. We provide certified translations accepted by foreign governments, embassies, and consulates.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille ship marriage certificate apostilles internationally?

Yes. We provide secure worldwide delivery with FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS.

 

Do apostilled marriage certificates expire?

No. An apostille does not expire, but some foreign authorities may request a recent copy of the certificate. Miami Dade Apostille can obtain a new certified copy if required.

 

What if I was married outside the U.S.?

Miami Dade Apostille only processes marriage certificates issued in the United States. For foreign marriage certificates, legalization must be done in the country of issuance

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General Questions

 

 

What is a marriage certificate apostille?

A marriage certificate apostille is an official certification that validates a U.S. marriage certificate for use abroad in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Miami Dade Apostille processes marriage certificate apostilles from all 50 states and Washington D.C.

 

Why do I need an apostille for my marriage certificate?

Apostilles are often required for immigration, visas, dual citizenship, adoption, inheritance, or proof of name change. Miami Dade Apostille ensures your marriage certificate is properly authenticated for international use.

 

Do I need the original marriage certificate for apostille?

You need a certified copy issued by the Vital Records Office or county clerk where the marriage was registered. Miami Dade Apostille processes only official certified copies.

 

Do marriage certificates need to be notarized before apostille?

No. Apostilles are issued on certified state-issued documents, not on notarized photocopies.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille process marriage certificate apostilles from any U.S. state?

Yes. Miami Dade Apostille handles marriage certificate apostilles nationwide.

 

How long does it take to apostille a marriage certificate?

Processing times vary by state but usually take a few business days. Miami Dade Apostille also offers rush service for urgent deadlines.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille provide certified translations of my marriage certificate?

Yes. Certified translations are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, and many other languages.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille ship my apostilled marriage certificate internationally?

Yes. We provide secure worldwide delivery with FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS.

 

Do apostilled marriage certificates expire?

No. Apostilles are permanent, but some authorities require recent certified copies. Miami Dade Apostille can obtain new certificates if needed.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille apostille same-sex marriage certificates?

Yes. Same-sex marriage certificates issued in any U.S. state are valid for apostille.

 

 

 

State-Specific Marriage Certificate Apostille

 

 

How do I apostille a Florida marriage certificate?

Certified copies are issued by the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville or the county clerk. Miami Dade Apostille processes Florida apostilles with the Florida Secretary of State.

 

How do I apostille a New York marriage certificate?

Marriage certificates must be issued by the New York City Clerk’s Office or the New York State Department of Health. Miami Dade Apostille then obtains the apostille from the New York Secretary of State.

 

How do I apostille a California marriage certificate?

Certified copies are obtained from the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records or the county recorder. Miami Dade Apostille processes them through the California Secretary of State.

 

How do I apostille a Texas marriage certificate?

Certified copies are issued by the county clerk or the Texas Vital Statistics Unit. Miami Dade Apostille then submits them to the Texas Secretary of State.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille process marriage certificates from small counties?

Yes. We handle apostilles for marriage certificates issued in any county across all 50 states.

 

 

 

Country-Specific Marriage Certificate Apostille

 

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Spain?

Yes. Spain requires apostilled marriage certificates for citizenship, immigration, and family matters. Miami Dade Apostille handles the full process.

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Italy?

Yes. Italy requires apostilles on marriage certificates for dual citizenship and legal registrations.

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Portugal?

Yes. Portugal requires apostilles for recognition of marriages, family reunification, and citizenship.

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Mexico?

Yes. Apostilled marriage certificates are required for visas, residency, and name change processes in Mexico.

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Argentina?

Yes. Argentina requires apostilles on marriage certificates for citizenship, residency, and legal purposes.

 

Do I need a marriage certificate apostille for Brazil?

Yes. Apostilled marriage certificates are needed for family, legal, and immigration purposes in Brazil.

 

 

 

Special Situations

 

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille process a marriage certificate apostille for urgent travel?

Yes. We provide same-day and expedited apostille services in Florida and rush processing nationwide.

 

What if my marriage certificate is very old?

You may need to request a new certified copy from the state office. Miami Dade Apostille can guide you through the process.

 

What if my marriage certificate is damaged or laminated?

You will need a new certified copy. Miami Dade Apostille ensures it is apostille-ready.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille process multiple marriage certificates at once?

Yes. We handle multiple orders for families, immigration, and legal cases.

 

Can Miami Dade Apostille handle embassy legalization for marriage certificates?

Yes. For non-Hague Convention countries, we provide embassy and consular legalization services.

 

Can I use a church-issued marriage certificate for apostille?

No. Only state or county-issued marriage certificates are valid. Miami Dade Apostille will guide you in obtaining the correct document.

 

What if I was married abroad?

Marriage certificates issued outside the U.S. must be legalized in the country of issuance, not through a U.S. apostille. Miami Dade Apostille can guide you on consular steps.