Apostille for Maryland Marriage Certificate: Your Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is an Apostille?
2. Maryland Marriage Certificate Authentication Process
   • Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
   • Authentication by the Maryland Secretary of State
   • Apostille or Embassy Legalization
3. Why Choose DC Mobile Notary?
4. Requirements, Costs, and Addresses
5. Get Started Today!

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What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, your document will need to go through a full legalization process instead.

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Maryland Marriage Certificate Authentication Process

1. Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
   • Ensure your Maryland marriage certificate is a certified copy issued by the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records or the Clerk of the Court.
   • The record must be more than 10 years old to qualify for authentication.
2. Authentication by the Maryland Secretary of State
   • For Maryland documents, the Secretary of State is responsible for issuing the apostille. Learn more about this process at People’s Law Maryland Apostille Guide.
3. Apostille or Embassy Legalization
   • The apostille is placed on the original marriage certificate. Notarization is not required.
   • Depending on the country’s requirements, your document will either receive an apostille or go through embassy legalization. DC Mobile Notary can expedite this step for you, ensuring quick and hassle-free processing.

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Why Choose DC Mobile Notary?

DC Mobile Notary Services Include:

• Fast and Reliable Service: We process apostille documents in as little as 7-8 business days for Maryland marriage certificates.
• Comprehensive Assistance: Whether you need guidance or complete handling of the process, we’re here to help.
• Multiple Delivery Options: We offer both online and in-person services for your convenience.
• Expert Notary Services: Beyond apostilles, we provide traveling notary, remote notary, I-9 verification, embassy legalization, and more.

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Requirements, Costs, and Addresses

The Maryland Secretary of State can be reached at:

16 Francis Street
Wineland Building, 1st Fl.
Annapolis, MD 21401

Telephone: 410-974-5521
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am – 1:00 pm

Note: Walk-ins are accepted, but there is a limit of 15 documents per day.

Cost: An authentication of a document is $5 (whether for an apostille or a full legalization). The fee must be paid by U.S. check or U.S. money order, made out to “Secretary of State.” If you are appearing in person with the documents, you can also pay by credit or debit card.

If the certification is completed by mail, you must include the following:

• Check or money order for the total cost of the apostilled document(s). The check may be a personal check, a cashier’s check, or a business check, made out to the “Secretary of State.” If you are overseas and require a Maryland apostille, it may be helpful to obtain a cashier’s check in U.S. currency at your nearest foreign bank.
• Cover letter indicating which country the document(s) will be used for. The Office of Secretary of State has provided a sample cover letter to use.
• Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the return of the apostilled document(s). FedEx, UPS, and Certified Mail are all accepted methods for sending and returning documents.

If the certification is completed in person: Any form of payment is accepted: personal, cashier’s or business check, money order, cash, and credit cards with a minimum charge of $10.00. Certifications are typically completed while you wait.

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Get Started Today!

Don’t let complex paperwork delay your plans. Let DC Mobile Notary handle your Maryland marriage certificate apostille process with ease. Click here to start: DC Mobile Notary Apostille Services, or contact us at 202-247-0837 or support@dcmobilenotary.com.

With DC Mobile Notary, you’re one step closer to authenticating your documents with confidence!

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