You must get an apostille if you plan to use your Maryland birth certificate in a foreign country. An apostille is a form of document authentication that confirms the validity of a public record, and many countries require it for the use of foreign documents. Getting an apostille on a birth certificate can seem daunting in Maryland, but it is straightforward. We will review the steps involved in getting a Maryland apostille birth certificate.
What is a Maryland Apostille Birth Certificate?
An apostille is an official certification that validates a document's authenticity for use in foreign countries. Documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas, often require authentication to be accepted in other countries.
The Maryland Apostille Birth Certificate is a certification issued by the Maryland Secretary of State's Office that verifies the authenticity of a Maryland birth certificate. Once authenticated, the document can be used for various purposes, including foreign adoptions, international marriages, and academic enrollment.
Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
If you need an apostille on your Maryland birth certificate, the first step is obtaining a certified copy. A certified copy is a legal, official copy of the original document verified by the issuing authority. In Maryland, certified copies of birth certificates can be obtained from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Vital Statistics Administration. You must provide basic information to get a certified copy, including your full name, date of birth, and parent's names. You will also need to pay a fee for the copy.
Have Your Birth Certificate Notarized
If you plan to obtain an apostille in Maryland, having your birth certificate notarized is a crucial step. Once you have obtained a certified copy of your birth certificate, it is necessary to have it notarized by a licensed notary public in Maryland. It is essential to ensure that the document is legitimate and has been verified by an impartial third party.
Notarization involves the notary verifying your identity and signature and then adding their signature and seal to the document. This additional layer of security and authenticity gives foreign governments or other entities confidence that the document is genuine and trustworthy. Without notarization, the document may not be considered valid for international use.
Have Your Notarized Birth Certificate Authenticated by the County Clerk
After your birth certificate has been notarized, you must have it authenticated by the county clerk. The county clerk will verify the notary's signature and stamp on the document and then attach their certification.
Request an Apostille from the Maryland Secretary of State
Once your notarized and authenticated birth certificate is ready, you can submit it to the Maryland Secretary of State for an apostille. You can do this by mail or at Annapolis's Office of the Secretary of State.
When submitting your document for an apostille, you must provide your contact information and the country where the apostille will be used.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Maryland Apostille Birth Certificate?
The processing time for a Maryland apostille birth certificate can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of requests handled by the Maryland Secretary of State's office and the submission method.
If you submit your request for an apostille by mail, processing and additional mailing time can take up to 10 business days.
Processing time may be delayed if there are any errors or issues with your request. Before submitting your request, you must carefully review the instructions and requirements for obtaining an apostille on your Maryland birth certificate.
Conclusion
Getting a Maryland Apostille birth certificate is essential if you use the document in a foreign country and is straightforward. Following these steps, you can obtain a Maryland apostille birth certificate and use your document abroad. Remember to double-check the instructions and requirements before submitting your request and allow sufficient time for processing and any potential delays.
