Need an apostille or authentication for vital records from the state of New York? Notary Glow can help. Vital records are records of important life events that are kept secure by the government; you just don’t want any random individual with access to your personal information; use our professional assistance. The vital records held by the government include, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates & licenses, and divorce certificates & decrees. Some time in the 20th century, states started setting up registration systems for vital statistics and passed laws to regulate vital records. Today, each state holds and issues each individual born in the U.S. or who holds U.S. citizenship, vital records in a central office (usually part of the state’s Department of Health) or the county clerk’s office. For clarity, if you were born in the New York state, the New York state Department of Health or County Clerk’s office will have your birth certificate on file.

Why Do I Need My Vital Records for Apostille or Authentication?

Citizens may need their vital records for several reasons throughout their lifetimes. Each of these vital records serves a unique and important purpose. Some of the reasons why you may need an apostille or authentication for your vital records or another immediate family member’s records include:

• Proof of Identity or Nationality

• Applying for government IDs

• Obtaining Green Cards

• Enrolling in School/Higher Education

• Working Abroad

• Getting Married

• Inheritance Claims

• And More

Keep in mind, you are going to a foreign nation and getting involved in their legal systems and government. The foreign nation receiving you is going to want to know exactly who you and why you are there. Vital records identify who you are and sometimes support your reason(s) for conducting business or any other dealings in a foreign nation.

Accepting My Vital Records For Apostille or Authentication

In the State of New York, an individual must submit a copy of the vital records for apostille or authentication. To obtain a copy of the birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate/license, divorce certificate/decree, please refer to the NYS Department of Health's website. For New York City vital records, other than divorce certificates/decrees, you would have to contact the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene or the New York City Marriage Bureau. The vital records must be certified by the New York County Clerk’s office. For New York City birth and death certificates, you will need to request a “Letter of Exemplification” as well. As with most government dealings, obtaining an apostille or authentication is a strict process. Safety, security and request loads are amongst the reasons why obtaining an apostille or authentication is so stringent. It is strongly advise that you pay careful attention to the rules and procedures the governing body has laid out to ensure your request is accepted and completed. Failure to adhere to the set protocols, halts your request(s), as they will not process your request(s).

Notary Glow and You (Vital Records Apostille)

While we cannot access your vital records for you, due to legal reasons and confidentiality, Notary Glow can personally walk you through the correct steps to obtain those records. Submitting the wrong documents or submitting the apostille/authentication package with missing information is last thing you would want to happen. If you submit missing information or incorrect documents for apostille/authentication, your documents will be rejected and you will be subjected to repeating the whole process over. Notary Glow has experience with handling vital records for apostille or authentication. We know exactly which government authority to approach to retrieve your vital records and the additional documents you must request in order to meet the Secretary of State’s requirements. Once you receive the appropriate documents, you’ll submit them to Notary Glow and we’ll complete the process to obtain your apostille/authentication; it’s not necessary for you to do anything else. We strongly advise all of our clients to wait until after they receive their apostille or authentication to plan their trip. Sometimes the Secretary of State is willing to offer expedited service; but, there’s no guarantee. Please wait until after you receive your apostille, so you don’t travel empty handed. Notary Glow is your friend throughout this process!