Redacted version from this original post: https://notary.harryotto.com/nyc-birth-record-apostille-faq/
Before obtaining an apostille on the NYC based birth record, the record must be “exemplified” and “authenticated”. This rule applies to any birth or death record from these five counties:
New York County – Manhattan
Bronx County – The Bronx
Richmond County – Staten Island
Kings County – Brooklyn
Queens County – Queens
If your birth document is “one document” it won’t qualify. Here’s an example of a non-qualifying birth certificate, front and back:
You cannot exemplify a document. Your document must come with exemplification when you order it.
You will need to order your long form exemplified birth document from vitalchek.com and, during the ordering process, indicate you need this birth document for “international or apostille use”. Here is an example of a 2-page birth document that would be acceptable at the NYC county clerk:
How old is it? The clerk can reject authenticating the exemplified birth record after it’s a year old for any “substantive” reason, but usually doesn’t.
Still have a question on what’s acceptable for authentication and apostille? Call, text or WhatsApp apostille expediter Harry Otto and we’ll get you started: (914)441-2444