Foreign Authentication – Apostille

Authentications are in the form of either an apostille or a gold seal certificate for use overseas. To have vital record authenticated, a request for the certificate must be made to the Office of Vital Records.  The cost for each authentication is $5.00 payable to the Secretary of State of Ohio.  In your request, please list the country the authentication is needed for as they vary from country to country.

The Office of the Ohio Secretary of State is not located in the Office of Vital Records. For more information contact that Office at (614) 728-9200 or http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/authentication.aspx

Secretary of State's Office
180 E. Broad Street, Suite 103
Columbus, Ohio   43215
Phone:  614-728-9200 or
Toll free:  (877) 767-6446

Born Outside of USA

To obtain a birth certificate on children born outside the United States and born to U.S. parents contact:

U.S. Dept. of State
Passport Services, Correspondence Branch
1111 19th Street NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20522-1705
(202) 955-0307

Last Updated: 7/09/08