Apostille

A birth certificate or death certificate which is prepared to give to a foreign country is called an apostille. Apostille copies of vital records are routinely required for foreign use. The Apostille consists of a certified copy of a Louisiana birth certificate, death certificate, or an Orleans Parish Marriage certificate signed by the State Registrar along with an additional certification signed by the Louisiana Secretary of State. 

The following situations are examples of when a birth certificate apostille could be required:

• Transferred by your employer to a foreign country
• Wanting to marry in a foreign country
• Adopting a child in a foreign country
• Applying for dual citizenship in a foreign country

The following situations are examples of when a death certificate apostille could be required:

• Burying a deceased family member in a foreign country
• Settling an estate of a deceased family member in a foreign country

Instructions on Obtaining an Apostille:

1. Obtain a certified copy of the required vital record. For instructions on obtaining a certified copy of a birth record from Louisiana Vital Records, see the How to Order Birth Records page. For instructions on obtaining a certified copy of a death record from Louisiana Vital Records, see the How to Order Death Records Page.
2. Once you have a properly certified document from VItal Records, you will need to send it to the Secretary of State's Office with their required fee to obtain an apostille. Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's website for further instructions, including the required fee and location