West Virginia Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for West Virginia death 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 | West Virginia Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or county health department |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | West Virginia Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of West Virginia death certificate (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $10 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Charleston) |
| 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 |
| Death Certificate Cost | $15 from ADPH or county health department (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Charleston: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for West Virginia Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an West Virginia birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the West Virginia Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) 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 West Virginia.
⚠️ 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 $10 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an West Virginia 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 ADPH.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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.
✅ West Virginia Apostille Advantages
West Virginia offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $10 per document, West Virginia 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 vital records.
Option 1: West Virginia Center for Health Statistics
The state vital records office in Charleston issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any West Virginia county health department can issue certified copies of death certificates for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified West Virginia death certificate issued by ADPH.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an West Virginia county health department.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir death certificates and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified West Virginia Death Certificate: An original or newly certified copy issued by ADPH or county health department.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "death certificate" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $10 per document — check or money order payable to "West Virginia Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any death certificate without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an West Virginia Death Certificate Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help West Virginia-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified West Virginia Death Certificate
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the West Virginia Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or your local county health department.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from ADPH. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your death certificate shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the West Virginia Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the West Virginia Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Death Certificate to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified death certificate, completed apostille request form, and $10 payment to the Secretary of State in Charleston.
Mailing Address:
West Virginia Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Charleston, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
1900 Kanawha Blvd E
Charleston, AL 25305
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) | $10 (state fee) |
| Certified West Virginia death certificate (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Death Certificate Apostille
Do I need to notarize my West Virginia death certificate before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in West Virginia. The certified copy from ADPH or county health department is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth 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 West Virginia Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an West Virginia death certificate?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Charleston office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an West Virginia death certificate apostille cost?▼
The West Virginia Secretary of State charges $10 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 "West Virginia Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in West Virginia?▼
Yes. The West Virginia Secretary of State office at 1900 Kanawha Blvd E in Charleston accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my West Virginia death certificate for apostille?▼
Mail to: West Virginia Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Charleston, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified death certificate, and $10 fee per document.
What countries accept an West Virginia death certificate apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from West Virginia. 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 West Virginia death 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 death certificate for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by ADPH or a county health department, not your original death 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 West Virginia death certificate for apostille?▼
Order from the West Virginia Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Charleston office. You can also request from any West Virginia county health department. 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