Everything You Need to Know to Get Your Birth Certificate Apostilled Without the Confusion
So you’ve been told you need to get your birth certificate apostilled — maybe for dual citizenship, a foreign marriage, international adoption, or even studying abroad.
But no one told you how to do it.
That’s where this guide comes in. At Diem Notary, we help Lancaster residents every week with the apostille process for birth certificates and other important legal documents. Here’s the complete breakdown of how to get it done — the right way, the first time.
What Is an Apostille, and Why Is It Needed?
An apostille is a certification that makes your document legally valid in another country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Think of it as a passport for your documents — allowing them to be recognized by foreign governments without additional verification.
If you’re using your Pennsylvania-issued birth certificate in another country for legal or official purposes, it almost certainly needs to be apostilled.
Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
The apostille must be attached to a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the PA Department of Health or a county register of wills (if issued in Philadelphia, for example).
Tip: If you’re not sure whether your copy is certified, look for a raised seal or colored signature. If you don’t have one, we can help you request the correct version.
Step 2: Confirm the Country Where You’ll Use It
The apostille process in Pennsylvania only works for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If your destination country isn’t a member, you’ll need a different kind of authentication called a consular or embassy legalization. We can advise you on this.
Step 3: Work with a Mobile Notary (That’s Us!)
Even though a birth certificate itself isn’t notarized, many people use a notary to help with:
- Preparing required documents
- Submitting apostille requests correctly
- Avoiding common mistakes that cause delays
- Providing mobile service to meet at your home, office, or a local café
At Diem Notary, we handle everything for you — you don’t need to visit the post office, state office, or figure it out alone.
Step 4: Submit to the Pennsylvania Department of State
If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need to:
- Fill out a Request for Legalization form
- Include a certified check or money order for the processing fee
- Mail everything to:
PA Department of State – Apostille Unit
401 North Street
Room 201, North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
If you work with us, we handle this submission for you and make sure it’s complete and correct — no paperwork surprises.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The processing time depends on whether you choose:
- Standard Service: ~7–10 business days
- Expedited Service (available through us): as fast as 1–3 business days in some cases
Once it’s completed, the apostilled birth certificate is mailed back to you — or delivered directly by our team if you choose rush courier options.
FAQs About Apostilling Birth Certificates in PA
Can I use a photocopy or scan of my birth certificate?
No. It must be a certified copy issued by an official Pennsylvania authority.
How much does it cost?
The state fee is $15 per apostille. Our mobile notary + document handling service is quoted based on your needs and location.
Can I apostille documents from other states?
Each state must process its own documents. If you were born in another state, we can advise you on the correct steps or refer you to a trusted partner.
Need Help Apostilling Your Birth Certificate?
If this process sounds complicated, don’t worry — we handle it every day.
At Diem Notary, we help Lancaster-area residents:
- Get certified copies (if needed)
- Prepare all forms and documents
- Submit requests to the PA Department of State
- Provide mobile notary services at your convenience
Offer rush options when time is critical
Ready to Start? Let’s Make It Easy.
Serving Lancaster, PA and nearby communities
Book online or call/text us at (717) 269-7545
Mobile notary + apostille concierge service
Let us take the apostille burden off your shoulders — and help you get it done, fast and right.
