How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in New Jersey

A birth certificate is an important legal document that proves a person’s identity, age, and place of birth. If you need to use your New Jersey birth certificate in another country, you may need to get it apostilled. Whether it’s for a marriage overseas, applying for dual citizenship, studying abroad, or handling legal stuff in another country, this little stamp can make a big difference.

This process may seem confusing at first, but with the right steps, it can be done smoothly. Once you know how the process works, it’s manageable. You just need the right documents, the correct info, and a little patience. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to apostille a birth certificate in New Jersey, including where to obtain certified copies, how to complete the application, submission methods, processing time, and more.

An apostille issued by the state of New Jersey is an official certificate attached to a certified copy of a birth certificate that verifies the signature of the public official who signed the original document. It confirms the document is legitimate and ready for use overseas.

The New Jersey apostille certificate is issued by DORES (Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services), and it's only valid for documents that originate in New Jersey and are being used in Hague Convention countries.

If you’re using your New Jersey birth certificate abroad, an apostille is essential to make it legally recognized under the Hague Apostille Convention. Your New Jersey birth certificate may need an apostille for a variety of international purposes:

• Marriage Abroad: Foreign civil authorities require an apostilled birth certificate to confirm your identity, age, and place of birth before allowing a legal marriage.
• Dual Citizenship Applications: Many countries need proof of your U.S. birth, and an apostilled birth certificate verifies it as an authentic, government-issued document.
• Immigration or Visa Processing: Embassies and immigration departments often require apostilled birth certificates as part of background checks or family verification.
• Studying Abroad: Schools and universities abroad may need your apostilled birth certificate for admission, identity verification, or student visa approval.
• Employment Overseas: Employers or licensing agencies may request apostilled documents to confirm your legal identity and eligibility.

In all these cases, a plain certified copy isn’t enough. An apostille from New Jersey’s Division of Revenue (DORES) ensures your birth certificate is legally valid across international borders.

To successfully obtain an apostille for a birth certificate in New Jersey, you must follow the official requirements set by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES). Here’s what you need to know:

• The birth certificate must be a certified copy issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics.
• The document should be issued within the last five years. Older copies may be rejected and require reissuance.
• It must be signed by an authorized official whose signature is currently on file with DORES for verification.
• The certificate should be recent, clear, and contain official validation such as a raised seal or embossed stamp.
• Photocopies, scanned copies, or notarized versions of the birth certificate are not accepted for apostille purposes.
• Only original certified copies will be processed. If your document does not meet these standards, you’ll need to obtain a new one from New Jersey Vital Records.

Following these guidelines carefully ensures your apostille request will be accepted without unnecessary delays or rejections.

To easily complete a New Jersey apostille for a birth certificate, you need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1:Understand the Apostille Requirements of the Destination Country

Before you start the apostille process, it's important to understand the requirements of the country where your birth certificate will be used. Some countries may need additional documents, translations, or have specific rules based on the purpose, such as adoption or non-adoption cases. New Jersey categorizes apostilles into these two groups, so selecting the correct category is essential. 

Also, confirming the exact document type required (e.g., long-form birth certificate) will help avoid delays. Knowing these details upfront ensures that your New Jersey birth certificate apostille is valid and accepted in the destination country.

Step 2: Obtain a Certified Copy of the NJ Birth Certificate 

To get your birth certificate apostilled in New Jersey, you’ll need a certified long-form copy issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, not from a county office or another state. You can request this by applying online through the NJ Health Department or using the VitalChek service for faster processing. 

Mail-in applications and in-person requests at local registrar offices are also available. Make sure the certificate is signed by an authorized state official. If you’re submitting a translated version, it must be notarized by a New Jersey Public Notary and marked as a “Document Translation” during the apostille request. 

Step 3: Complete the Online New Jersey Apostille Request 
For completing the online apostille request through the official New Jersey Apostille portal. Start by selecting your preferred service level, either Standard or Expedited, and choose the country where your birth certificate will be used. Next, add the required document details, including the name on the birth certificate, the event date, the city or county of issuance, and the name of the state registrar or official. If you are submitting translated documents, each must be added separately. 

Then, select how you want to receive your apostilled document, either by mail or in-person pickup. Carefully review all the information you entered, accept the terms, and complete the payment process. After submitting, make sure to print the confirmation page, which you will need to include when sending or delivering your original documents for apostille processing.

Step 4: Choose How to Submit Your NJ Apostille Request
You have three options for submission:

• In-Person Submission:
  Bring your certified birth certificate, completed application, and order confirmation sheet (cover sheet) to the DORES office in Trenton. Submit all documents together between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm on workdays. Appointments are not required, but can be made if preferred. You can also visit the office for assistance or questions.
• By Mail:
  Complete the online application and send your certified birth certificate, cover sheet, and payment by mail to the DORES address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned by mail. They will send back your apostilled documents based on your selected return method.
• Third-Party Apostille Service NJ:

For those who want to avoid the hassle of managing paperwork or worry about making mistakes, using a trusted apostille service like Globeia is ideal. Globeia’s services handle every step for you: checking certified copies, completing the application, submitting documents to DORES, and ensuring you get the apostilled birth certificate quickly. 

This is especially helpful if you are out of state, have a tight deadline, or prefer professional assistance to prevent delays. Using a third-party service can save time and reduce stress, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Step 5: Make the Payment for the NJ Apostille Service
To complete your apostille request, you must pay a fee to the New Jersey Treasury Department. The cost varies depending on how many documents you submit, such as multiple birth certificates. If you use a third-party service, additional fees apply for services like document review, error checking, pickup, and faster processing. These fees vary based on urgency and whether document retrieval is needed. Always check with the NJ DORES for the current official fees.

Step 6: Wait for Apostille Processing Time in New Jersey 
Apostille processing time in New Jersey typically takes 10 to 15 business days after submitting the request. This timeframe can be delayed depending on factors such as the volume of requests DORES receives, the accuracy of your documents, and the submission method (mail, in person, or through a service). 

The total may also increase in obtaining the certified birth certificate and mailing times. For urgent needs, expedited services like Globeia offer faster processing, often completing the apostille within 1 to 3 business days. Planning is important to avoid delays, but expedited options provide quicker turnaround when time is critical.

Getting an apostille for a New Jersey birth certificate is an essential step for using your document abroad. The process can be simple if you follow the right steps, understand the state requirements, and submit the correct paperwork.

If you're short on time or unsure about the process, Globeia can handle the entire New Jersey apostille process for you. With experienced agents familiar with the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Globeia ensures fast, error-free service and peace of mind. Don’t risk delays or document rejections. Complete the New Jersey birth certificate apostille by following this guide.