Birth Certificates and Apostille

Getting an apostille for a birth certificate can feel like a bureaucratic maze, but in Arizona, the process is relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Whether you're moving abroad, getting married in another country, or handling international business, here is how to navigate the process.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a specialized certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates the seal and signature of the official who signed your document. This allows the document to be recognized as valid in any country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention.

Steps to Get a Birth Certificate Apostille in Arizona

1. Obtain a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate

• You cannot use a photocopy or a notarized copy of a birth certificate for an apostille. It must be a certified copy issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services or a County Clerk.

• Important: The signature on the certificate must be from a current or former State Registrar or Assistant State Registrar.

• 
  

2. Verify the Document Date

• While Arizona doesn't have a strict "expiration date" for birth certificates, some foreign countries require the document to have been issued within the last 6 or 12 months. Check with the requesting authority abroad before you start.

Use a Professional

• While you can do this yourself, many people choose a mobile notary or apostille facilitator to handle the logistics. This is especially helpful if:

• You are on a tight deadline.

• You don't live near Phoenix or Tucson.

• You want to ensure the document won't be rejected due to a technicality.

3. Complete the Request Form

• The mobile notary/facilitator will need to fill out the Apostille or Certificate of Authentication Request Form from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. You’ll need to specify:

• The country where the document will be used.

• Your contact information.

• How you want the document returned to you. Make sure the notary/facilitator is aware of this.

  
  

4. Pay the Statutory Fee

• Your mobile notary/facilitator will go over their fees. These will need to be paid first. If you need it processed quickly, expedited services are available for an additional fee.

5. Submit to the Secretary of State

• Your mobile notary/facilitator will take care of all submissions when it comes to the Secretary of State or Federal Government.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Notarizing the Birth Certificate: In Arizona, a notary public cannot notarize a birth certificate. Only the government registrar can certify it.

• Using a "Laminated" Document: If your birth certificate is laminated, the Secretary of State cannot attach the apostille. You will need to order a new, unlaminated certified copy.