Marriage Abroad? How to Apostille Your New York Marriage Certificate First

If you were married in New York and are preparing to move, work, or live abroad with your spouse, there's one critical step you shouldn’t overlook: getting your marriage certificate apostilled. Many countries will not legally recognize your marriage unless it's verified through a process called apostille authentication.
An apostille is a special certificate issued by the New York State that validates the origin and authenticity of a public document, such as a marriage certificate. This ensures that the document is legally accepted in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to obtain an apostille for your New York marriage certificate, including where to go, what documents you need, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re filing for immigration, registering your marriage in another country, or applying for dual citizenship, this guide is your go-to resource.

An apostille is a type of certification that makes a U.S. document valid for use in foreign countries. Issued by the New York Department of State, it authenticates the signature and seal of the official who signed your marriage certificate.

You’ll need a New York marriage certificate apostille if you plan to:

• Move or live abroad with your spouse
• File for residency, immigration, or visa applications
• Register your U.S. marriage in a foreign country
• Apply for dual citizenship through your spouse or heritage
• Present legal proof of marriage for banking, property, or legal matters abroad

Without an apostille, many foreign institutions won’t accept your documents, even if they’re certified.

In New York, apostilles are issued by the New York Department of State – Division of Licensing Services. This is the official state authority responsible for authenticating public documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, notarized documents, and more.

There Are Two Main Office Locations:

These are the only official locations where you can walk in and request an apostille in person.

Additional Counter Service Locations (Document Drop-Off Only):

These locations allow you to submit your apostille documents, which are then forwarded to Albany for processing. They are convenient drop-off points:

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

To get an apostille for a New York marriage certificate, you must use a certified original copy, not a photocopy or notarized version.

• Certificates from New York City marriages must be obtained from the NYC Marriage Bureau and then certified by the County Clerk of the borough (e.g., Manhattan, Brooklyn).
• For marriages outside NYC, request your certified copy from the NYS Department of Health, local County Clerk, or online via VitalChek.

Always check the issuing authority and signature to ensure the correct process is followed. This will help you avoid delays with your apostille application.

Step 2: Get County Clerk Certification (If Applicable)

If the certificate was issued by a local or county office (such as a City Clerk or County Department of Health), it must be certified by the County Clerk of the county where it was issued before you can apply for an apostille. For example:

• Brooklyn → Kings County Clerk
• Manhattan → New York County Clerk

This extra certification step is mandatory for NYC documents before they are eligible for apostille. However, if your document was issued outside NYC directly by the State Department of Health, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Fill Out the Apostille Request Form

Next, download and complete the Apostille Request Form from the New York Department of State’s official website. Important fields to complete:

• The country where your apostilled certificate will be used
• Your name and contact details
• Signature and date

Be sure to include the correct country name, as the apostille must be tailored to international requirements.

Step 4: Submit Your Apostille Application

There are three ways to submit your apostille application in New York. You have three convenient ways to get your New York marriage certificate apostilled, depending on your location, urgency, and preference.

• Option 1: Apply by Mail

If you prefer to handle everything from home, you can mail your application to the New York Department of State. You’ll need to send your certified marriage certificate, County Clerk certification (if required), a completed Apostille Request Form, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return. Don’t forget to include payment by check or money order, made payable to “New York State Department of State.” Mail your package to the Apostille Unit at 123 William Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038. Mail processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, so plan if you're on a timeline.

• Option 2: Apply In Person

For faster service, you can visit one of two official walk-in locations in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Utica. Just bring your certified marriage certificate, your filled-out Apostille Request Form, and payment (credit card, check, or money order are accepted). If you arrive early enough, you can often receive same-day processing, which is ideal if you're on a tight schedule or traveling soon.

• Option 3: Use a Third-Party Apostille Service

If you'd rather avoid the paperwork and back-and-forth altogether, a third-party apostille service such as Globeia might be the best route. These services handle everything for you, from reviewing your documents and filling out forms to submitting and collecting your certificate from the Department of State. Many even offer expedited options that can return your apostilled certificate within 24 to 48 hours. Payment methods vary by provider but usually include credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets for convenience.

Even small mistakes can lead to processing delays or outright rejections. To help ensure your apostille application goes smoothly, avoid these common errors:

• Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified copy: Only original, certified marriage certificates are accepted; photocopies, scans, or notarized copies will be rejected.
• Skipping County Clerk certification (for NYC-issued certificates): If your marriage certificate was issued in one of New York City's boroughs, it must be authenticated by the appropriate County Clerk before it can be apostilled.
• Leaving out a self-addressed, stamped return envelope: When mailing your documents, always include a return envelope to avoid delays in getting your apostilled document back.
• Not stating the destination country clearly on the request form: This is crucial, as the apostille is issued based on the requirements of the receiving country.
• Overlooking errors on the certificate: Make sure all names are spelled correctly and that the document includes an official signature and raised or colored seal.

Double-checking these details can save you significant time and hassle.

Apostilling your New York marriage certificate is essential if you're planning to live, work, or register your marriage abroad. It ensures your marriage is legally recognized in other countries and helps you avoid delays or legal issues.

The steps are simple: get a certified copy, obtain County Clerk certification if needed (for NYC-issued documents), complete the Apostille Request Form, and submit it by mail, in person, or through a professional service.

For a fast, hassle-free process, Globeia offers expert apostille services in New York often completing the process within 24 to 48 hours. They handle everything from document checks to submission, so you don’t have to worry about errors or delays.