Apostille for China · Apostille guide

U.S. Marriage Certificates for China: Issuing State, Apostille, and Chinese Translation Checklist

U.S. marriage records are generally Apostille by issuing state, but certificate version, county certification, and translation requirements vary by issuing authority.

First confirm whether you have an official marriage record

Memorial certificates, church certificates, ordinary copies and government-issued marriage certificates are not the same. Check the issuing agency, registration date, official signature and seal, and confirm with the Chinese receiving unit whether an original or a certified copy is required.

The processing state is determined by the source of the certificate

US marriage records are usually issued by state, county or municipal agencies, and Apostille should generally be processed according to the issuing jurisdiction. The state in which the applicant currently lives, where the wedding was held, or where the shipment is being sent from is not a substitute for the judgment of the issuing authority.

County certification is not the same in all states

Some locally issued records require county clerk certification before being submitted to the Secretary of State, and other versions issued by state vital records departments may not. You should look to the state's official instructions rather than applying experience from New York, California, or other states.

When translating, focus on checking

• The names, maiden names and spellings of both parties;
• Marriage date, registration date and issuance date;
• County, city, state and issuing agency names;
• Certificate number, seal, back instructions and Apostille page.

Apostille does not determine the outcome of marital matters

It does not judge the validity of the marriage, property relations or whether other documents are required by the Chinese institution. Real estate, inheritance, household registration and other businesses should separately confirm the physical material requirements.