Marriage Certificate Apostille Los Angeles
Apostille service for marriage certificates. We help Los Angeles couples get marriage certificates apostilled correctly for immigration, name changes, and legal or family matters abroad.
Make your marriage certificate valid in another country
When you apply for immigration benefits, spousal visas, name changes, or family‑based matters in another country, authorities often require a marriage certificate with an apostille.
We help couples across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley confirm whether their California or out‑of‑state marriage certificate is acceptable and coordinate the apostille so the paperwork is accepted the first time. You do not have to guess which version of the certificate to use or how to submit it.
Before you schedule, we review a photo of the marriage certificate, your destination country, and any consulate or lawyer instructions so you know exactly what is required.
This page covers marriage certificates. For other vital records, see our pages for birth certificates, death certificates, and divorce records. For all vital record types, visit our vital records apostille hub.
Experience with marriage certificates for overseas use
- Handle apostilles for California marriage certificates and many out‑of‑state certificates used abroad.
- Review your marriage certificate image to confirm format, issuing office, and whether a new copy is needed.
- Guidance when additional notarized statements (such as affidavits of single status or name change) are requested.
- Clear explanations of timelines and fees, plus 5‑star feedback for communication and accurate document handling.
Recent clients have used our marriage certificate apostille service for spousal visas, recognition of marriage abroad, and updating records with foreign civil registries.
How marriage certificate apostille service works
1. We review your marriage certificate and instructions.
You can text or email a photo of your marriage certificate along with any consulate, embassy, or attorney instructions. We confirm whether the certificate is eligible for apostille and which office will process it.
2. We help you obtain the right certificate, if needed.
If your certificate is too old, unofficial, or issued by the wrong office, we explain how to request a proper certified copy before moving ahead. This helps avoid last‑minute rejections.
3. We obtain the apostille and return your documents.
Once the correct certificate is ready, we submit it for apostille and arrange secure delivery back to you or directly to your representative abroad, depending on your needs.
Processing times and fees depend on the state that issued the certificate, current workload, and whether you choose standard or expedited options where available. We outline these choices clearly before you commit.
Common reasons Los Angeles clients need a marriage certificate apostille
Immigration and residency
Spousal and family‑based immigration applications often require a marriage certificate with an apostille to prove the relationship is legally recognized.
Name changes and identification
Updating foreign passports, IDs, and records after marriage may require a certified marriage certificate with an apostille so authorities can verify the change.
Recognition of marriage abroad
Some countries ask for an apostilled marriage certificate to register your marriage with their civil registry, even if the ceremony took place in the United States.
Family law and inheritance matters
Divorce, separation, adoption, and inheritance proceedings handled in another country may require an apostilled marriage certificate as part of the court file.
Questions about marriage certificate apostilles
Do I need a long‑form or short‑form marriage certificate?
Some countries accept short‑form certificates, but many consulates and immigration offices prefer or require a long‑form certificate that shows more details. We can review your current copy and advise which version is best for your situation.
Can you apostille a marriage certificate from another U.S. state?
Yes. We can often help coordinate apostilles for marriage certificates issued in other states, but they must be processed through that state's apostille authority. Timing and fees will vary by state.
What if our marriage certificate is missing or damaged?
If your original certificate is missing or damaged, we can explain how to request a new certified copy from the correct vital records office before moving forward with the apostille.
Will the apostilled marriage certificate be returned to us?
Yes. The apostille is generally attached directly to the original marriage certificate. We arrange secure return by mail, courier, or pickup and review options with you before we submit the documents.
How do I know if I need an apostille or another type of authentication?
If the country using your marriage certificate is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is usually required. For non‑member countries, consular legalization or another authentication may be needed. For urgent cases, see our same-day apostille service.
Share a few details and get a clear plan
You can call, text, or send a photo of your marriage certificate so we can confirm what is needed and outline a realistic apostille timeline before you book.
When you contact us, it helps to include:
- Whether your marriage certificate was issued in California or another state.
- The country where the marriage certificate will be used.
- Your deadline and whether you are in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Orange, or Ventura County.
We will confirm fees, ID requirements, mailing or courier options, and the expected apostille timeline before finalizing your appointment.
For other vital records, visit our vital records apostille hub, or return to mobile notary and apostille services in Los Angeles.