Apostille for Birth Certificates: Everything You Need to Know
Birth certificates are among the most frequently apostilled documents. Whether you are applying for dual citizenship, a foreign visa, a marriage license abroad, or enrolling a child in a foreign school, the receiving institution will almost certainly require your birth certificate to be apostilled. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Related: Birth certificate apostille — service page
You Need a Certified Copy — Not a Photocopy
The apostille is placed on the certified copy of the birth certificate issued by the government agency — not on a photocopy, hospital-issued certificate, or informational copy. If you only have a photocopy or an old hospital certificate, you must obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority before apostille processing can begin.
Which Authority Issues the Apostille?
The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the birth certificate was issued — not where you currently live. A Florida birth certificate is apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State. A New York birth certificate is apostilled by the New York Secretary of State. Miami Dade Apostille handles Florida birth certificates directly and can coordinate out-of-state submissions.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of a Florida Birth Certificate
Certified copies of Florida birth certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can request them online, by mail, or in person. Miami Dade Apostille can coordinate obtaining a certified copy if you do not already have one — combining the vital records request and apostille submission into a single process.
Common Reasons Birth Certificates Are Apostilled
- Dual citizenship or nationality applications abroad
- Foreign marriage license applications
- Visa and residency applications in foreign countries
- School enrollment in foreign countries
- Inheritance and estate proceedings abroad
- Adoption proceedings involving foreign authorities
- Pension and social security claims abroad
Does the Birth Certificate Need to Be Translated?
Many countries require the birth certificate to be in their official language, or require a certified translation to accompany the apostilled original. Miami Dade Apostille coordinates certified translation for all major languages. Check requirements by country.
How Long Does It Take?
Standard processing at the Florida Secretary of State's office takes 3–5 business days from receipt. Expedited processing (same-day or next-day) is available. If you also need a certified copy obtained first, add 5–10 business days for the vital records request. Miami Dade Apostille offers 24-hour emergency service for urgent requests.
Apostille your birth certificate
Send us a scan of your birth certificate for a free review. We'll confirm what's needed and handle the process from start to finish.
Ready to move forward? Book an appointment or call us at 1-800-631-9171.