To apostille a New York marriage certificate, obtain a certified copy from NYSDOH or your county clerk ($30 + $15 online via VitalChek), complete form DOH-389, and submit with $30 payment to NYSDOH Vital Records. Processing takes 8-10 weeks by mail or same-day in-person at the Albany office.
$30
per apostille
8-10 weeks
mail service
DOH-389
apostille request
NYSDOH
Vital Records
Complete guide to obtaining an apostille for your New York marriage certificate from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). This guide covers fees, forms, processing times, and step-by-step instructions for both mail and in-person submissions.
A marriage certificate apostille is an official certification issued by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that authenticates your New York marriage certificate for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The apostille verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on your certified marriage certificate, making it legally recognized in over 120 countries worldwide. This is commonly required for spouse visa applications, name change documentation abroad, international property transactions, and dual citizenship applications.
To obtain an apostille for a New York marriage certificate, you must meet these requirements:
Marriage Registered in New York
The marriage must have been legally performed and registered in New York State
Certified Copy Required
Must have a certified copy with raised seal from NYSDOH or county clerk
Destination Country
The country where you'll use the document must be a member of the Hague Apostille Convention
VitalChek is the official online partner of NYSDOH for ordering vital records. After receiving your certified marriage certificate, you must separately apply for the apostille.
Certified Copy
Must be a certified copy issued by NYSDOH or New York county clerk with raised seal
Original Signature
Must have original signature of the issuing clerk (not stamped)
Good Condition
Document must be in good condition without tears, stains, or alterations
Complete Form DOH-389
Apostille request form with contact info and destination country
Certified Marriage Certificate
From NYSDOH or county clerk
Online Processing (VitalChek)
Optional convenience fee
Apostille Fee
NYSDOH authentication
Total Cost
Certificate + apostille (online)
If you were married outside of New York, you must obtain the apostille from the state where the marriage was registered. New York cannot apostille marriage certificates from other states.
If your name has changed since marriage, you may need additional documentation. Contact NYSDOH to verify requirements for your specific situation.
If you need multiple apostilled copies, you must submit a separate certified marriage certificate for each apostille. Each apostille costs $30.
New York County (Manhattan)
Manhattan City Clerk's Office
141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Brooklyn City Clerk's Office
210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Queens County
Queens County Clerk
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435
Erie County (Buffalo)
Erie County Clerk
92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Reviewed by Amelia Rivera
Document Processing Specialist
Last updated: October 16, 2025. Based on official NYSDOH sources. Always verify current fees, processing times, and requirements with the issuing agency before submission.
Recent Updates:
Phone
(518) 474-3077
vr@health.ny.gov
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM EST
Have questions about the apostille process? Check our comprehensive FAQ section or contact NYSDOH directly.
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