Attestation of Birth Certificates

For most purposes within the United States, a certified birth certificate is all that is required. If a birth certificate is needed in another country, however, it may need to be attested by the Secretary of State and is known as a birth certificate apostille.

Significance

A birth certificate apostille is a birth certificate that has not only been certificated but has been sent to the Secretary of State for an apostille. The apostille signifies that the Secretary of State is attesting to the fact that the seal and/or signature on the certificate copy is valid.

Function

Apostille birth certificates are generally requested when a United States citizen is engaging in legal activities in a foreign country. Common examples include seeking employment in another country, getting married in another country or adopting a child from another country.

Procedure

State procedures may vary slightly, but as a rule you will first need to obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate. Once you have the certified copy you will need to forward it to the Secretary of State along with any required fee for the apostille.

References

• Texas Department of State Health Services: Apostille