If you married in Oregon and need to use your marriage certificate abroad (for a spouse visa, residency or citizenship by descent), you’ll likely need an apostille from the Oregon Secretary of State. Here is exactly which copy qualifies, how to submit it, and how to avoid the most common rejection.
Need this done in the Portland area? PDX Fingerprinting offers Oregon apostille service at our Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego offices, plus mobile service across the Portland metro. Book an appointment online.
Which marriage certificate can be apostilled?
According to the Oregon Secretary of State, it must be an original certified copy of an Oregon record, either:
- issued by the county, with the printed name and signature of the county official, or
- issued by the State (Oregon Center for Health Statistics), signed by the State Registrar
If the registrar’s name isn’t printed next to the signature, order a new certified copy from the state first. Photocopies, souvenir certificates and marriage licenses that weren’t recorded can’t be apostilled. Marriages from other states must go to that state’s Secretary of State.
Step by step
- Order a certified copy from the county where you married or from Oregon vital records.
- Check the signature: the official’s printed name must appear with the signature.
- Submit to the Oregon Secretary of State in Salem, by mail or in person, with the fee and a return envelope.
- Translate if needed: many countries require a certified translation after the apostille. See translate before or after apostille?.
How long does it take?
The Secretary of State’s guidance lists about 10 business days for regular mail and 2–3 business days with FedEx or UPS return, and walk-in service at its Salem office. Check current fees before sending (see its apostille instructions).
Apostille or authentication?
Hague Convention countries accept an apostille. Non-Hague countries need an authentication and then embassy legalization. See apostille vs. authentication.
Let us handle it
We review your copy, submit it and return it to you. Oregon apostilles start at $125–$195, with additional documents $20 each (see pricing). Need translation too? See certified translation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apostille a marriage certificate from Washington?
Not in Oregon. It must go to the Washington Secretary of State.
Do I need a new certified copy?
Only if yours is a photocopy or lacks the official’s printed name. Many countries also want a recently issued copy.
Birth certificate too?
Same process. See birth certificate apostille.
