Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate Apostilles

What is a Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate?
A Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate is an official Wisconsin vital record documenting a registered domestic partnership. Wisconsin Vital Records maintains records of declarations of domestic partnership.

Can a Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate receive an apostille?
Yes. Eligible Wisconsin-issued documents can be submitted for an apostille when they are being used internationally. The document must meet the requirements of the Wisconsin apostille authority.

Does my Domestic Partnership Certificate have to be from Wisconsin?
Yes. To obtain a Wisconsin apostille, the Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate must have been issued in Wisconsin. Documents issued by another state generally must be apostilled through the appropriate authority in that state.

Do I need a certified copy?
For legal purposes, you should obtain a certified copy. Wisconsin certified Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificates are issued on security paper and contain a seal and the signature of the State or Local Registrar. Uncertified copies are intended for informational purposes and cannot be used for legal or identification purposes.

Can I apostille a photocopy of my Domestic Partnership Certificate?
Generally, no. The Wisconsin Secretary of State instructs applicants not to submit photocopies of vital records for apostille processing. The appropriate certified document should be submitted.

Where can I obtain a Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate?
Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership records can be requested through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Eligibility and identification requirements apply when requesting a certified copy.

Why would I need an apostille on my Domestic Partnership Certificate?
You may be asked for an apostille when presenting your Wisconsin Domestic Partnership Certificate to a foreign government, court, immigration authority, financial institution, or other organization outside the United States.

What if the country where I am using the document is not a Hague Apostille Convention country?
An apostille may not be the correct certification. Documents intended for countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require an authentication instead. The destination country is important in determining the correct process.

Do I need to tell you which country will receive my document?
Yes. The destination country should be provided when ordering apostille or authentication services because it determines which certification process applies.

Will I need a translation of my Domestic Partnership Certificate?
Possibly. Translation requirements are determined by the country or organization receiving your document. Some foreign authorities require a certified translation in addition to the apostilled document.

Can you handle the Wisconsin apostille process for me?
Yes. Send us your eligible Wisconsin Declaration of Domestic Partnership Certificate, and we can coordinate the Wisconsin apostille process and return the completed document to you according to the service and shipping options you select.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Apostilles

What is a Wisconsin marriage certificate apostille?

A Wisconsin marriage certificate apostille authenticates an eligible Wisconsin marriage record for official use in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.

Does my marriage certificate have to be from Wisconsin?

Yes. For a Wisconsin apostille, the marriage certificate must be an eligible marriage record issued in Wisconsin. If your marriage certificate was issued by another state, the apostille generally must be obtained through that state.

Is a marriage certificate the same as a marriage license?

Not exactly. A marriage license is issued before the marriage and authorizes the couple to marry. After the marriage is completed and properly recorded, a certified marriage certificate or marriage record provides official evidence of the marriage.

If you are submitting the document internationally, check with the receiving agency to determine exactly which marriage document it requires.

### Can I apostille a photocopy of my marriage certificate?

A regular photocopy generally is not sufficient for apostille processing. You will typically need an eligible certified copy issued by the appropriate Wisconsin vital records or local government office.

Where can I obtain a certified Wisconsin marriage certificate?

Certified Wisconsin marriage records can be ordered through the appropriate Wisconsin vital records authority. Depending on the record, copies may also be available through an authorized local vital records office.

Does my Wisconsin marriage certificate need to be notarized first?

Generally, no. An official certified Wisconsin marriage certificate normally should not be separately notarized simply to obtain an apostille. Vital records have their own certification and authentication requirements.

Why would I need an apostille for my Wisconsin marriage certificate?

Common reasons include:

• Dual citizenship or citizenship applications
• Marriage registration in another country
• Immigration or residency matters
• Foreign passport applications
• Name-change documentation
• Visa applications
• International adoption
• Spousal benefits
• Foreign inheritance or estate matters
• Legal proceedings in another country

Can I order a new marriage certificate and have it sent directly to Wisconsin Apostille Agent?

If the issuing authority allows delivery to a different address, you may be able to have your certified marriage certificate shipped directly to us for apostille processing.

When placing your apostille order, include the names shown on the marriage certificate and any other relevant information in the Special Instructions section so we can properly match the incoming document to your order.

What if my current name is different from the name on my marriage certificate?

That is common, particularly when a marriage resulted in a name change. When placing your order, provide the names appearing on the marriage certificate in the **Special Instructions** section so we can correctly identify and match your document.

How long does it take to apostille a Wisconsin marriage certificate?

Processing time depends on the service option selected, current government processing times, and shipping. If you have an international deadline, allow enough time for both apostille processing and delivery.

Can you apostille more than one copy of my marriage certificate?

Yes. If you need multiple apostilled copies for different countries, government agencies, or other purposes, you can submit multiple eligible certified copies. Each certificate requiring an apostille is processed as a separate document.

Do I need a translation of my Wisconsin marriage certificate?

That depends on the requirements of the country or organization receiving the document. An apostille authenticates the document for international use but does not replace any translation required by the receiving authority.

What if the country receiving my marriage certificate is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?

If the destination country does not accept apostilles, your marriage certificate may require a different authentication and legalization process. Contact Wisconsin Apostille Agent before ordering if you are unsure which service your document requires.