How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in South Carolina

When preparing to live, study, work, or get married overseas, you’ll quickly learn that your documents must be legally recognized in the country you’re moving to. For residents of South Carolina, one of the most frequently required documents is a birth certificate, and the way to make it valid abroad is by obtaining an apostille certification.

An apostille is an official stamp or attachment issued by the South Carolina Secretary of State that certifies your birth certificate as authentic for use in another country. It ensures that foreign governments, schools, or immigration offices will accept your U.S.-issued document without further verification.

While the word “apostille” may sound complex, the process itself is manageable once you understand the steps. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a South Carolina birth certificate apostilled, from why you need one to the step-by-step process. 

There are many life situations where a birth certificate apostille becomes necessary. Some of the most common include:
Studying Abroad
If you’re applying to a university or college overseas, you may be asked to submit an apostilled birth certificate as proof of identity and age. Schools in Europe, Asia, and Latin America often require this document before finalizing your admission.

1. Getting Married Abroad
   Planning a destination wedding? Many countries require an apostilled birth certificate to ensure that both parties are legally eligible to marry. For example, if you want to get married in Italy, Spain, or Mexico, the local civil registry will almost certainly request this document.
2. Dual Citizenship Applications
   People applying for dual nationality often need an apostilled birth certificate to prove their origin and family ties. If you’re seeking Italian, Irish, or other citizenship through ancestry, the foreign consulate will want to see an apostilled version.
3. International Adoption
   Adopting a child from another country involves presenting extensive paperwork to both U.S. and foreign authorities. Apostilled documents, including your birth certificate, are part of the standard adoption requirements.
4. Immigration or Work Visa Applications
   Employers and immigration authorities may ask for an apostilled birth certificate when processing work permits, residency applications, or long-term visas.
5. Legal or Business Matters Abroad
   In some cases, an apostille is required for legal disputes, inheritance claims, or property ownership transfers in another country.

Important Tip: Always confirm with the embassy, consulate, or institution in your destination country which documents require an apostille. Requirements vary, and preparing everything at once can save you time, money, and stress.

Before moving into the process, it’s worth clarifying the difference between an apostille and authentication:

• An apostille is used when the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. More than 120 countries participate, including most of Europe, Latin America, and Asia. With an apostille, no further legalization is needed.

• Authentication applies if your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention. In that case, your birth certificate will first be authenticated by the South Carolina Secretary of State, and then legalized by the foreign embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Knowing which process applies to your situation is the first step toward success.

The South Carolina Secretary of State’s office has specific requirements for apostilling a birth certificate. Here’s what you need to know before applying:

1.Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate

• The document must be a certified copy, issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or your local county vital records office. You can also contact VitalChek for faster and accurate services. 
  Photocopies or uncertified copies are not acceptable.

• If your document is old, damaged, or missing, you’ll need to request a new certified copy.

2.No Notarization Needed

• Unlike some other documents, a birth certificate does not need to be notarized before an apostille. The certified copy itself is sufficient.

3.Apostille Request Form

• You must complete the Secretary of State’s apostille request form. This form asks for basic information, such as your details, the document type, and the destination country.

4.Prepaid Return Service

• If you apply by mail, include a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope so your documents can be mailed back to you safely.

5.Certified Translation (If Required)

• If your destination country does not accept documents in English, you’ll need to submit a certified translation of your birth certificate along with the apostille

There are three main ways to get your South Carolina birth certificate apostilled. Each method has its own advantages, depending on your schedule, location, and level of convenience.

• In Person: If you’re near Columbia and want your apostille quickly, visiting the Secretary of State’s office is the fastest option. Most in-person requests are processed the same day or within a couple of days. 

This method gives you full control over your documents and immediate confirmation that everything is submitted correctly. The only downside is having to travel to the state capital, but for urgent situations like upcoming travel, work, or study abroad, it’s often the best choice.

• By Mail: Mailing your documents is a convenient alternative if you live far from Columbia or prefer to avoid travel. Simply include your certified birth certificate, completed apostille form, fee, and a prepaid return envelope. 

While processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, it allows you to handle the process entirely from home. Make sure to package your documents securely and double-check the address to avoid delays. This method works well for those who have plenty of lead time before needing their apostilled certificate.

• Third-Party Services: For maximum convenience, you can use a professional service like Globeia. These services manage the entire process for you, from collecting your certified birth certificate to submitting it and returning it once the apostille is complete. 

Many requests are processed within 24–72 hours, making this ideal for tight deadlines. Using a service also reduces stress, avoids common errors, and ensures your documents are handled securely. While there is an extra fee, it’s often worth it for people who want a smooth, worry-free experience.

• Double-check details: Make sure your birth certificate contains an accurate spelling of names and dates. Mistakes can cause rejection abroad.

• Order extra copies: If you’re applying for multiple purposes (like school and marriage), order several certified copies and apostilles.

• Keep copies for yourself: Always keep at least one non-apostilled copy at home for your records.

• Plan ahead: Apostille processing by mail can take weeks; don’t wait until the last minute before your travel date.

• Use professional services for convenience: If you’re short on time, agencies can help avoid paperwork errors and delays.

Obtaining an apostille for your South Carolina birth certificate may seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, but it’s a critical step for anyone planning to study, work, marry, or settle abroad. By securing a certified copy of your birth certificate, completing the apostille request form, paying the required fee, and choosing the right submission method, you can ensure your document is accepted overseas without complications.

Whether you choose to handle the process yourself or use Globeia’s professional apostille service in South Carolina, the key is preparation. Check your destination country’s requirements, gather all necessary documents in advance, and allow enough time for processing. With these steps, your South Carolina birth certificate will be ready for international recognition, and you can move forward with confidence toward your next big chapter abroad.