How to Apostille Personal Documents in Maryland
Personal documents—often referred to as Vital Records—issued in the State of Maryland require an official Apostille certificate before they can be legally recognized overseas. This process validates the signature of the state official or notary public who certified the document.
Common Eligible Personal Documents:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates & Burial Permits
- Divorce Decrees (Court Certified Copies)
- Power of Attorney, Wills, & Trust Documents
- Adoption Papers & Name Change Documents
Strict Requirements for State Acceptance
The Maryland Secretary of State has extremely rigid guidelines. If your physical documents do not meet these specific criteria, your application will be rejected:
1. Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates)
- Official Certified Copies Only: You must submit an original, certified copy issued by the Maryland Department of Health (Division of Vital Records) or the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Photographed copies, printouts, or digital scans cannot be apostilled directly.
- Valid Signatures: The certificate must feature a raised seal and the signature of a current or historically recognized State Registrar (such as Dr. Nileen J. Patel).
2. Divorce Decrees & Court Documents
- Must be an official certified copy bearing the original stamp, raised seal, and signature of the Clerk of the Circuit Court from the specific Maryland county where the divorce or legal action took place.
How to Submit Directly to the State
If you prefer to handle the process independently, you can submit your physical documents directly to the Secretary of State's office. You must include the original document, a completed application form, the state state-mandated fee ($15 per apostille), and a pre-paid return envelope with tracking.
Please check the official processing times beforehand, as mail-in requests to the state can take several weeks to be fulfilled depending on seasonal volumes.