How to Apostille a Pennsylvania Birth Certificate for International Use

Many Pennsylvania citizens are moving abroad for different reasons, like starting a new job, expanding a business, getting married, adopting a child, or pursuing dual citizenship. In most of these situations, you’ll need to present your birth certificate in the country you’re moving to. But for it to be accepted internationally, the birth certificate must include an apostille or official authentication, as required under the Hague Convention treaty.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apostille a Pennsylvania birth certificate for use in Hague Convention countries clearly and efficiently, so you can avoid delays and move forward with confidence.

A Pennsylvania birth certificate is useful both locally and internationally. But if you need to use it abroad, an apostille is required. Here are some common situations where an apostille is needed:

1. Proof of Identity: Your birth certificate confirms your full name, place, and date of birth.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Many countries need this document to verify that you are a U.S. citizen.
3. For Immigration or Residency Applications: If you're applying to live in another country, your birth certificate is part of the required paperwork.
4. Getting Married Abroad: Foreign governments often require an apostilled birth certificate before issuing a marriage license.
5. Applying for Dual Citizenship: Some countries require your U.S. birth certificate as part of their citizenship process, especially if you have family roots there.

6.International Adoption: If you're adopting a child from another country, you'll likely need to prove your identity and citizenship with a birth certificate.
7.Registering a Child’s Birth Abroad: U.S. citizens who have children overseas may need to present their own birth certificate to register the birth at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
8.Education Purposes: Some universities or schools abroad may ask for a birth certificate for enrollment, especially at a younger age.
9.Employment Abroad: Employers or government agencies in another country may ask for it when processing work visas or background checks.

Not all birth-related documents, like hospital discharge papers or birth information cards, can be used for an apostille. To apostille a birth certificate, it must meet the following requirements:

1. Must Be Issued Within the Last 5 Years: Pennsylvania DOS requires the birth certificate to be relatively recent, usually issued within the past 5 years, for an apostille.

2. Use a Certified Copy: If the certificate is more than five years old, it accepts certified copies, which these official documents that bear the raised seal and signature of the issuing authority. 

   Copies without these won’t be accepted. 

• No Photocopies or Scans: Printed scans or photocopies may look authentic, but are not accepted. Always submit the original certified copy.
• No Hospital Birth Certificates: Hospital-issued certificates are usually keepsakes, not legal documents, and won’t be accepted for an apostille.
• No Notarized Copies: Notarizing a copy does not make it valid for apostille purposes. Only an official certified copy is accepted.

With a proper understanding of the apostille process and by following these simple steps, you can get your Pennsylvania birth certificate apostilled without any issues or delays:

Step 1: Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
The first step in obtaining an apostille in Pennsylvania is getting a certified copy of your birth certificate.
You can get the certified copy from the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records or order it online. The certified copies must include a raised seal and official signature.

Step 2: Fill Out the Apostille Request Form
The next step is to complete the Apostille/Certification Request Form. This form requires details like the destination country, your contact information, and the number of documents that need an apostille or authentication. This form is also used for authentication purposes because Pennsylvania issues a single certificate for both.

Step 3: Choose the Method of Applying
Now you’ll need to decide how you want to apply for the Pennsylvania apostille on your birth certificate. There are four options:

1. Walk-in Service: This is best for people in or near Harrisburg. You can visit the Pennsylvania Department of State’s office Monday to Friday before 4:00 p.m. (the entrance closes at 3:00 p.m.). Bring your completed apostille request form, certified birth certificate, and applicable fee. Be prepared to wait in line if it’s busy.
2. By Mail: You can also apply by mail. Send your certified birth certificate, the completed form, and payment (via money order or check made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) to their mailing address.
3. Blue Drop Box: If you don’t want to stand in line, you can drop off your apostille application in the blue drop box located outside the building. This follows the same process as mailing.
4. Using a Third-Party Service: This is ideal if you have a tight deadline or are outside the U.S. A professional service like Globeia can take care of everything on your behalf and send the completed apostille back to you.

Step 4: Make the Payment
After selecting your submission method, make the payment. The fees can vary depending on your submission method. For mail and drop off, you can complete the payment with a check or a money order. If you’re using an in-person service credit card is accepted. Third-party services usually have secure online portals for payment.

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Results
Typically, apostilling a Pennsylvania birth certificate takes 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the method you choose. Using a third-party service can speed up the process, and if everything is submitted correctly, you can get your apostille in just a few days.

Getting an apostille on a Pennsylvania birth certificate is simple, whether you complete the process yourself or use a professional service. Just make sure you have the correct document, complete the apostille request form, and choose the correct submission method.
If you are outside the USA and want to complete the apostille process easily and quickly, a third-party service can help. Companies like Globeia will handle your entire application and any additional requirements for you.
Once apostilled, your birth certificate can be used in Hague Convention countries without restrictions. This helps confirm your identity and opens up international opportunities.