Some countries require that birth certificates and other documentation be accompanied by an apostille, an additional stamp from the local Secretary of State’s office that certifies the authenticity of required documents. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp the document bears.
While the process of obtaining apostilles is not difficult, it can be time-consuming. The quickest way to obtain the apostille is to appear in person at the Secretary of State’s office in the state where your child was born. You may also apply for the apostille by mail, typically a two- to three-week response time, depending on the state where your child was born. Our IFLG team is experienced in assisting intended parents in determining what documentation is needed and helping you navigate the application process.