Ohio Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for Ohio divorce decrees issued by state or county court 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 | Ohio Circuit Court where divorce was granted |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Ohio Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Ohio divorce decree from Circuit Court |
| Apostille Fee | $5 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Columbus) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, 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 |
| Divorce Decree Cost | $15 from Circuit Court or Circuit Court Clerk (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Columbus: 180 E. Broad St (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Ohio Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Ohio birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Ohio Center for Health Statistics (Circuit Court) or a Circuit Court Clerk. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county court records official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Ohio.
⚠️ 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 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Ohio 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 Circuit Court.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Ohio 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 Ohio 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.
✅ Ohio Apostille Advantages
Ohio offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $5 per document, Ohio has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 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 court records.
Option 1: Ohio Center for Health Statistics
The state court records office in Columbus issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any Ohio Circuit Court Clerk can issue certified copies of divorce decrees for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Ohio divorce decree issued by Circuit Court.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an Ohio Circuit Court Clerk.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir divorce decrees and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Ohio Divorce Decree: An original or newly certified copy issued by Circuit Court or Circuit Court Clerk.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "divorce decree" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $5 per document — check or money order payable to "Ohio Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any divorce decree without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Ohio Divorce Decree Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Ohio-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Ohio Divorce Decree
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the Ohio Center for Health Statistics (Circuit Court) or your local Circuit Court Clerk.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from Circuit Court. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your divorce decree shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Ohio Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Ohio Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Divorce Decree to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified divorce decree, completed apostille request form, and $5 payment to the Secretary of State in Columbus.
Mailing Address:
Ohio Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Columbus, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
180 E. Broad St
Columbus, AL 43215
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 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 Ohio divorce decree (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Divorce Decree Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Ohio divorce decree before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in Ohio. The certified copy from Circuit Court or Circuit Court Clerk is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal court records and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the Ohio Center for Health Statistics (Circuit Court) or a Circuit Court Clerk.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Ohio divorce decree?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Columbus office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Ohio divorce decree apostille cost?▼
The Ohio 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 "Ohio Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Ohio?▼
Yes. The Ohio Secretary of State office at 180 E. Broad St in Columbus accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Ohio divorce decree for apostille?▼
Mail to: Ohio Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Columbus, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified divorce decree, and $5 fee per document.
What countries accept an Ohio divorce decree apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from Ohio. 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 Ohio divorce decree 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 divorce decree for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by Circuit Court or a Circuit Court Clerk, not your original divorce decree. 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 Ohio divorce decree for apostille?▼
Order from the Ohio Center for Health Statistics (Circuit Court) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Columbus office. You can also request from any Ohio Circuit Court Clerk. 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