DECEMBER 1, 2020

CASE STUDY: John C. lives in New York. He was born in Washington DC. John has to present a copy of his birth certificate as a supporting document for a job in Chile. What does he need to do so that his document is accepted in Chile without any delays?

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Step 1: Is your birth certificate eligible?

Check if your birth certificate qualifies for legalization for Chile (apostille).

This is a sample of a birth certificate issued in the District of Columbia. It is signed by the State Registrar Terra J. Abrams, MBA, and bears the Seal of the District of Columbia. This birth certificate has been issued recently (2016). It is a certified copy printed on the security paper. This document is eligible for legaliation by an apostille. If your document looks different, you can email a copy for a free evalution. We will tell you what needs to be done if your document does not qualify.

Step 2: In what state should the document be legalized?

John was born in Washington DC but now he lives in New York. Where should the document be legalized? Can it be done in New York if it is notarized by a New York notary? Here are the answers:

(1) The birth certificate can only be legalized in the state where it was issued, in this particular case, in Washington DC. New York will not accept this document for legalization.

(2) Copies of vital records can never be notarized. 

Step 3: What kind of authentication is required for Chile?

Chile joined the Apostille Convention in 2016. It means that no embassy legalization is required. An apostille will make your document valid and legal in Chile.

Therefore, in this particular case, John's document needs to be apostilled in Washington, DC.