Maryland Birth Certificate Apostille
Maryland apostilles are issued by the Maryland Secretary of State for $5.00 per document. Birth certificates bearing the seal and signature of the issuing state or county office go directly to the Secretary of State, with no Circuit Court step. Mail them to 16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401: regular mail takes 7-14 business days; FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority Mail about 3-4 days. Walk-ins are not available at this time. Last verified 2026-10-20 against https://sos.maryland.gov/Certifications/Pages/default.aspx
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Maryland Division of Vital Records or county health department |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Maryland Secretary of State 7-14 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Maryland birth certificate (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $5.00 per document |
| Processing Time | Regular mail: 7-14 business days. FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority Mail: ~3-4 days. Walk-in: not available at this time. |
| 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 | Annapolis: 16 Francis Street (mail; walk-ins not available at this time) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Maryland Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on a Maryland birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Maryland Division of Vital Records or a county health department. 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.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Maryland.
⚠️ 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 $5.00 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for a Maryland 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 the state vital records office.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Maryland SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx or UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Maryland 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 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.
✅ Maryland Apostille Advantages
Key facts:
- • Fee: $5.00 per document.
- • Processing: 7-14 business days by regular mail; FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority Mail about 3-4 days.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for vital records.
Option 1: Maryland Division of Vital Records
The Maryland Division of Vital Records in Baltimore issues certified copies. Order online through VitalChek, by mail to P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036, or in person by appointment only. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Some Maryland local health departments also issue certified copies of birth certificates; Baltimore City and Baltimore County offer no certificate service. Hours, fees and appointment rules vary by county.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Maryland birth certificate issued by the state vital records office.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by a Maryland county health department.
- • 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 Maryland Birth Certificate: An original or newly certified copy issued by the state vital records office or county health department.
- Mailing Checklist, Note and Return Envelope: the Secretary of State's Mailing Checklist Form for Certification/Apostille; a note stating in which country the document will be used and how to contact you; and a stamped, self-addressed envelope or prepaid express delivery such as FedEx or UPS.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $5.00 per document — U.S. check or U.S. money order made out to the "Secretary of State".
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 a Maryland Birth Certificate Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Maryland-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
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