Alabama Marriage Certificate Apostille
Apostille for Alabama marriage certificates issued by state or county vital records offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Alabama Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Alabama marriage certificate (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $5 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 3-5 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Montgomery) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, spouse visa applications, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Marriage Certificate Cost | $15 from County Probate Court (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Montgomery: 600 Dexter Ave (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Alabama Marriage Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Alabama marriage certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Alabama Center for Health Statistics (County Probate Court) or a County Probate Court or Judge of Probate. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county vital records official.
- Marriage certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Alabama.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Unofficial church or celebrant "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $5 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Alabama apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from County Probate Court.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Alabama SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Alabama to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Alabama Apostille Advantages
Alabama offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $5 per document, Alabama has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 3-5 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for vital records.
Option 1: Alabama Center for Health Statistics
The county where the marriage took place issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Clerk Office
Any Alabama County Probate Court or Judge of Probate can issue certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Alabama marriage certificate issued by County Probate Court.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an Alabama County Probate Court or Judge of Probate.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir marriage certificates and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Alabama Marriage Certificate: An original or newly certified copy issued by County Probate Court.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "marriage certificate" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $5 per document — check or money order payable to "Alabama Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any marriage certificate without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Alabama Marriage Certificate Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Alabama-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Alabama Marriage Certificate
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the County Probate Court or your local County Probate Court or Judge of Probate.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from County Probate Court. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your marriage certificate shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Alabama Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Alabama Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Marriage Certificate to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified marriage certificate, completed apostille request form, and $5 payment to the Secretary of State in Montgomery.
Mailing Address:
Alabama Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Marriage Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 3-5 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $5 (state fee) |
| Certified Alabama marriage certificate (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Marriage Certificate Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Alabama marriage certificate before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in Alabama. The certified copy from County Probate Court is sufficient.
Can I use my church or unofficial marriage record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal vital records and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics (County Probate Court) or a County Probate Court or Judge of Probate.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Alabama marriage certificate?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Montgomery office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Alabama marriage certificate apostille cost?▼
The Alabama Secretary of State charges $5 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Alabama Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Alabama?▼
Yes. The Alabama Secretary of State office at 600 Dexter Avenue in Montgomery accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Alabama marriage certificate for apostille?▼
Mail to: Alabama Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified marriage certificate, and $5 fee per document.
What countries accept an Alabama marriage certificate apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from Alabama. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Alabama marriage certificate for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original marriage certificate for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by County Probate Court or a County Probate Court or Judge of Probate, not your original marriage certificate. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified Alabama marriage certificate for apostille?▼
Order from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics (County Probate Court) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Montgomery office. You can also request from any Alabama County Probate Court or Judge of Probate. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log