How to Apostille a U.S. Virgin Islands Birth certificate (2026 Guide)
To apostille a U.S. Virgin Islands birth certificate, order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. Then submit it to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands for a territory-set fee. Mail processing takes about 10–20 business days; appointment. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | Confirm with the authority |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Office of the Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Required copy | Order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. |
| Mail time | 10–20 business days |
| Counter | appointment |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. In U.S. Virgin Islands, uSVI vital records come from the Department of Health, Office of Vital Records and Statistical Services.
Step 2 — Submit to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay a territory-set fee by check or money order. Verify the current fee and process with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor before relying on this page.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- Photocopies and hospital "souvenir" certificates are not certified copies and are rejected
- The certified copy is too old or the seal is not raised/legible
- The signing registrar's authority is not on file with the apostille office
Who typically needs this
Proving identity or parentage for dual citizenship.
Marriage or spousal-visa applications abroad.
Foreign school enrollment and residency permits.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a birth certificate in U.S. Virgin Islands?
U.S. Virgin Islands sets the fee through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands; confirm it on the official page. You also pay for the certified copy and return shipping.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. U.S. Virgin Islands apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. Photocopies and hospital "souvenir" certificates are not certified copies and are rejected
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in U.S. Virgin Islands runs about 10–20 business days. A counter option (appointment) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a birth certificate apostille?
People who proving identity or parentage for dual citizenship or need it for marriage or spousal-visa applications abroad. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your U.S. Virgin Islands birth certificate.
Other U.S. Virgin Islands documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.