How to Apostille a Washington, D.C. Marriage certificate (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Washington, D.C. marriage certificate, order a certified copy from the vital-records office in the state (or county) where the marriage was recorded. Then submit it to the D.C. Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications for $15 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $15 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | D.C. Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications |
| Required copy | Order a certified copy from the vital-records office in the state (or county) where the marriage was recorded. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Order a certified copy from the vital-records office in the state (or county) where the marriage was recorded. In Washington, D.C., d.C. vital records come from DC Health Vital Records Division.
Step 2 — Submit to the D.C. Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $15 per document by check or money order. Same-day morning walk-in hours.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- A keepsake certificate from the ceremony is not a certified record
- The copy lacks the registrar's certification stamp
Who typically needs this
Changing a surname abroad.
Spousal and family-reunification visas.
Proving marital status for foreign benefits.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a marriage certificate in Washington, D.C.?
The D.C. Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications charges $15 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my marriage certificate?
No. Washington, D.C. apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. A keepsake certificate from the ceremony is not a certified record
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Washington, D.C. runs about 5–10 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a marriage certificate apostille?
People who changing a surname abroad or need it for spousal and family-reunification visas. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Washington, D.C. marriage certificate.
Other Washington, D.C. documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the D.C. Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.