DOCUMENT APOSTILLE GUIDE
Alabama Vital Records Apostille Requirements
Learn how to prepare your document for apostille processing, including applicable notarization requirements, required certifications, and important submission guidelines.
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Preparation Requirements
Obtain an Official Alabama Vital Record
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates must be issued as official certified Alabama records. Ordinary photocopies, informational copies, and uncertified documents are not acceptable substitutes.
Birth Certificates
Obtain an Alabama birth certificate bearing the official signature of the current Alabama State Registrar. Birth records less than 125 years old have restricted access and may only be obtained by eligible individuals or properly authorized representatives.
Death Certificates
Obtain an official Alabama death certificate bearing the current Alabama State Registrar's signature. Death records less than 25 years old have restricted access. Proof of eligibility and identification may be required.
Marriage Certificates
Obtain an official Alabama marriage certificate issued through the Alabama vital records system. Confirm that the record is properly certified for apostille processing.
Divorce Certificates
Obtain an official Alabama divorce certificate issued through the Alabama vital records system. If the receiving country specifically requires a certified court decree rather than a vital records certificate, additional court-document requirements may apply.
Check the Certificate
Ensure the certificate is legible, complete, and displays the appropriate official signature and seal. Older certificates or certificates lacking the required current official signature may need to be replaced.
Confirm the Destination Country
Apostilles are issued for countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries outside the Convention may require a different certification or legalization process.
Important Information
Alabama has a specific apostille and exemplified-copy process for vital records. Contact National Apostille Center before obtaining a replacement certificate so we can help determine which document is appropriate for the destination country.
Required Certification
Official State Certification
Alabama vital records must be properly certified by the authorized Alabama issuing authority. The record must bear the appropriate original official signature and seal for apostille processing.
Birth and Death Certificates
The Alabama Secretary of State specifically requires birth and death certificates submitted for apostille to bear the signature of the current Alabama State Registrar.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Official certificates bearing the appropriate Alabama State Registrar certification may be used for the state's vital records apostille process. A certified court decree is a different type of document and may require separate preparation.
Notarization
Do not notarize an ordinary photocopy of a vital record as a substitute for an official certified certificate. Alabama vital records follow their own government certification process.
Apostille Authority
Alabama Secretary of State, Authentication Division.
Important Notice
An apostille authenticates the official signature and capacity of the issuing public official. It does not independently verify the information contained in the vital record.