How to Get an Apostille on Your North Carolina Birth Certificate: 5 Simple Steps

If you’ve been asked to provide your North Carolina birth certificate for use in another country, whether it’s for a visa application, getting married abroad, applying for dual citizenship, or registering for school, you’ll likely need more than just a certified copy. Most countries require an apostille, a formal government-issued certificate that confirms the document is authentic and can be legally recognized internationally.

This step often catches people off guard, especially if it’s their first time dealing with international paperwork. But the good news is that the process of getting an apostille in North Carolina is fairly straightforward if you know what to prepare and where to send your documents.

In this guide, we’ll break down the process into simple steps to help you get your North Carolina birth certificate apostilled efficiently and correctly. 

Follow these five straightforward steps to prepare, submit, and receive your apostilled birth certificate quickly and correctly for use in any Hague Convention country or legal international process.

Before starting the apostille process, it’s essential to confirm whether it’s actually required for your situation. Apostilles are typically needed when submitting your North Carolina birth certificate to a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Common reasons include applying for dual citizenship, getting married abroad, or handling immigration, education, or employment paperwork internationally.

However, requirements can vary widely by country. Some people may additionally want a verified translation of your birth certificate, especially if it isn't in their official language. Others, particularly non-Hague countries, may require document legalization through an embassy instead of an apostille. Always check with the foreign authority or consulate to understand the exact documentation and translation requirements. Knowing this early can save you time, money, and potential delays later in the process.

Before you can get an apostille, you’ll need a certified copy of your North Carolina birth certificates; not a scan, photocopy, or hospital-issued version. A certified copy comes directly from the North Carolina Vital Records Office or the Register of Deeds in the county where you were born. It includes an official signature, a raised or embossed seal, and is printed on security paper, all of which are required for it to be accepted for apostille. You can request one online through VitalChek, by mail with the right form, or in person at your local county office or in Raleigh. Be sure to ask for the long-form (full) version, as some countries won’t accept abbreviated or abstract certificates. Getting the right document from the start will help you avoid delays later in the process.

With your certified birth certificate in hand, the next step is to gather the documents needed for the apostille process. You’ll need the original certified copy, a completed apostille request cover letter (which you can download from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website), complete payment as per the document (by check or money order), and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. The cover letter is especially important; it tells the state office what you’re requesting and ensures your documents are processed correctly. Be sure to include your contact information, the name of the destination country, the number of documents enclosed, and clear return mailing instructions. Even a small error, like listing the wrong country, can lead to delays or rejection, so it’s worth reviewing everything carefully before sending it off.

Once your documents are ready, you’ll need to decide how to submit them to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Authentication Office. You have three options: 

1. Submit by Mail

If you’re not located near Raleigh, mailing your documents to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Authentication Office is often the easiest option. You’ll want to carefully package your certified birth certificate, the completed apostille cover letter, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. You can send everything to their mailing address:

NC Secretary of State - Authentications Division

If you want faster delivery, especially when using courier services like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, use their physical address instead: 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Just keep in mind that mailing your documents means you’ll need to allow extra time, not only for transit but also for processing once they receive your package. So, if you have a tight deadline, make sure to send your documents well in advance.

2. Submit In-Person

3. Use a Third-Party Apostille Service

For many people, especially those living abroad or juggling multiple documents, the apostille process can feel confusing or overwhelming. That’s where professional apostille services like Globeia come in handy. They handle everything from verifying your documents are in the right format to submitting and tracking your application with the Secretary of State. Using a trusted service can reduce the risk of mistakes or delays and give you peace of mind knowing experts are managing your important paperwork. If you’re on a tight deadline or want to avoid the hassle altogether, this option is often worth considering.

Once your request is processed, you’ll receive your North Carolina birth certificate back with the apostille attached. If you submitted by mail, processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, plus shipping time, while in-person requests are often completed the same day, depending on the office’s workload. 

The apostille itself is a separate certificate affixed to your original document, confirming that the issuing official’s signature is authentic and internationally recognized under the Hague Convention. To ensure your apostille is valid, check that it lists the correct country where you’ll be using the document, and verify that the seal and signature on the apostille are clear and intact. It’s important to keep the document clean and free from any marks or damage, as altered or damaged apostilles can be rejected abroad. And if you plan to use your birth certificate in more than one country, remember that you’ll need a separate apostille for each destination.

While the apostille process might feel daunting at first, it becomes much simpler when broken down into these manageable steps. To recap: first, understand if and when you need an apostille and which countries require it. Next, obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from North Carolina Vital Records or your county’s Register of Deeds. Then, prepare the necessary documents and the cover sheet carefully, followed by choosing your submission method, whether by mail, in person, or through a trusted professional apostille services in North Carolina. Finally, receive your apostilled birth certificate, ready for international use.  If you want to avoid the hassle, professional services like Globeia can take care of everything from start to finish, ensuring your documents are handled efficiently and securely, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.