In our increasingly interconnected world, official documents like marriage certificates often need to be recognized across international borders. If you’re moving abroad, applying for a spouse visa, or dealing with legal procedures in another country, you might be asked to provide an apostilled marriage certificate.

In this guide, Rais Apostille Services walks you through the entire process of getting your Apostille Of Marriage Certificate in the USA—what it is, why it’s needed, how to get it done, and how we can help you do it efficiently.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It is not a certification of the content itself, but rather a verification that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is valid and issued by a recognized authority.

In simpler terms, an apostilled marriage certificate ensures that your marriage is officially recognized in the country you’re dealing with—without the need for further embassy legalization.

Why You May Need an Apostilled Marriage Certificate

There are many situations where a U.S.-issued marriage certificate must be apostilled:

1. International Marriage Registration

Planning to register your marriage in your spouse’s country? Most foreign civil authorities will request an apostilled marriage certificate as proof of your legal marital status.

2. Immigration or Spousal Visa

Applying for a spousal or partner visa in another country (like the UK, Australia, Spain, or Germany)? Immigration authorities often require an apostilled marriage certificate to verify your relationship.

3. Dual Citizenship or Residency Applications

When applying for dual citizenship, permanent residency, or family-based visas, apostilled documents are often mandatory.

4. Financial and Legal Transactions

Foreign banks, courts, and insurance companies may ask for apostilled documents to process claims, create joint accounts, or execute wills and legal agreements abroad.

Which Countries Accept Apostilled Documents?

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilled documents without any further legalization. Some examples include:

United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Australia
Japan
South Korea
Netherlands
Brazil

Important Note: Countries not in the Hague Convention (like the UAE, China, or Canada) require a different process known as document attestation or consular legalization.

Who Issues Apostilles in the United States?

In the U.S., apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was originally issued.

For federally issued documents (like FBI background checks), the apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

How to Get Your Marriage Certificate Apostilled in the USA

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

Before anything else, ensure you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by the County Clerk’s Office or Vital Records Office in the state where the marriage occurred.

It must be an original or certified copy—photocopies, even notarized ones, will typically be rejected.

Step 2: Determine the Issuing Authority

Identify the U.S. state that issued the document. Apostilles are provided only by the Secretary of State’s office of the same state.

Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille

You have two options:

Direct Submission: Mail or walk in your application to the state’s Secretary of State office. Include any required fees, forms, and return envelopes.
Through a Trusted Apostille Service (Recommended): Avoid delays and confusion by working with a professional agency like Rais Apostille Services.

Step 4: Receive the Apostilled Document

Once approved, your marriage certificate will have an official apostille attached to it—usually as a separate page with a seal and signature verifying its authenticity.

Timeframe for Apostille Services

Standard Processing: 5–15 business days (varies by state)
Expedited Service via Rais Apostille Services: 1–3 business days in many cases

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete, incorrect, or not in the required format. That’s why working with a professional agency can save you both time and stress.

What Does an Apostille Look Like?

An apostille is typically a one-page certificate attached to the original marriage certificate. It includes:

Country of origin
Name of the signer/seal on the document
Date and place of issuance
Unique identification number
Official seal and signature

Each apostille is issued on high-security paper and is traceable through the government authority.

Documents Required for Apostille of Marriage Certificate

To apostille a marriage certificate in the USA, you typically need:

Original or certified copy of the marriage certificate
Completed apostille request form (varies by state)
Government-issued photo ID (for verification)
Payment for state fees (check/money order)
Prepaid return envelope (if mailing)

When you choose Rais Apostille Services, we handle the forms, submission, follow-ups, and return delivery for you.

Why Choose Rais Apostille Services?

Here at Rais Apostille Services, we are committed to providing reliable, fast, and affordable apostille services across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

✅ Nationwide Service Coverage

Whether your marriage certificate was issued in California, Texas, New York, Florida, or any other U.S. state—we handle it all.

✅ Door-to-Door Convenience

We offer mail-in and courier options so you can stay home while we manage the paperwork.

✅ Expert Handling

No confusing government forms or long queues. We ensure every document is prepared and submitted correctly.

✅ Quick Turnaround Times

Our expedited apostille service ensures fast processing—often within 1 to 3 business days.

✅ Secure and Confidential

All your documents are handled securely and with the highest level of confidentiality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting photocopies instead of certified copies
Using an incorrect issuing authority
Sending incomplete applications or incorrect fees
Failing to include a return envelope

Avoid these errors by letting the professionals at Rais Apostille Services manage the process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apostille a photocopy of my marriage certificate?

No. Apostilles are only issued for original or certified copies of marriage certificates. Photocopies—even if notarized—are usually rejected.

2. How long is an apostille valid?

An apostille does not expire, but some foreign governments may require recently issued documents. It’s best to check with the destination country’s authority.

3. What’s the difference between an apostille and notarization?

Notarization verifies your signature. An apostille authenticates the document for use abroad. Some documents require both.

4. Can I apostille a marriage certificate issued outside the USA?

No. Apostilles can only be issued in the country where the document originated. If your certificate is from another country, you must contact that country’s apostille authority.

5. Can Rais Apostille Services help with urgent apostille requests?

Yes! We offer expedited apostille services and can process many documents in 1–3 business days, depending on the state.

Get Your Marriage Certificate Apostilled the Easy Way

If you’re looking to get your marriage certificate apostilled without the hassle of navigating government forms and waiting weeks, Rais Apostille Services is your trusted partner.

From certified document review to handling the entire apostille process, we make legalization stress-free and efficient.

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