Authentication of Marriage Certificate for Use in China

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How to authenticate a marriage record/certificate for use in China?

Marriage records/certificates issued in the US must be authenticated in order to be used in China. Since China is not a member of Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille will not be accepted. The marriage certificate must be authenticated by the Secretary of State first, then authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

How to obtain a marriage certificate for use in China?

You must contact the vital record office or department located in the state where you were married to request a certified marriage certificate. The certificate should be visually similar to the original certificate.

Important: Some states such as New York require a certified extended copy of marriage certificate if the document is for foreign use (click here for more details). Please check with your state’s regulations if such a requirement exists.

Sample (click to enlarge):

I have obtained my marriage certificate, what is next?

You may proceed to Secretary of State authentication.

If your certificate is issued from the following states, further authentication by the US Department of State is required.

• Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming and Washington DC.

marriage certificate for use in Chinamarriage record for use in China