Hawaii Birth Certificate Apostille
Hawaii apostilles are issued by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for $3 per document, with no expedited service: about 7-10 business days. Apply online, then mail or drop off the printed application with your birth certificate at the State Capitol, 5th Floor, 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu. Birth certificates issued before 2025-01-01 must first be reordered from the Department of Health. Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/application-for-apostille-or-certification-of-documents/
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Hawaii Department of Health (State Registrar) |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Hawaii Lieutenant Governor 7-10 business days (est.) + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Hawaii birth certificate (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $3 per document |
| Processing Time | Est. 7-10 business days (no expedite). Walk-in or drop box: no expedite |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 129 Hague Convention countries, incl. the US (HCCH status table, checked 2026-10-12) |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Birth Certificate Cost | Varies by state (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Honolulu: State Capitol, 5th Floor, 415 S. Beretania St. (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Hawaii Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Hawaii birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Hawaii Department of Health. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the State Registrar's signature and the Department of Health's embossed seal.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Hawaii.
⚠️ 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: Decorative hospital "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 $3 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Hawaii apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a new certified copy by mail from the Hawaii Department of Health, using its paper request form for apostilles.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Hawaii Lieutenant Governor 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 Hawaii 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 and Egypt require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State certification (Hawaii Lieutenant Governor) → 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.
✅ Hawaii Apostille Advantages
Hawaii offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $3 per document.
- • Fast Processing: Est. 7-10 business days (no expedite).
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for vital records issued after Jan 1, 2025; older certificates must be reordered from the Hawaii Department of Health.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Hawaii birth certificate issued by the state vital records office.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir birth certificates and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Hawaii Birth Certificate: An original or newly certified copy issued by the Hawaii Department of Health.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "birth certificate" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $3 per document.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any birth certificate without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Hawaii Birth Certificate Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Hawaii-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Recent Verification Log