To request a copy, you must submit a:

1.  Notarized, completed Form DS-5542

• We recommend you fill out the form on your computer.
• If you complete the form by hand, use black ink.
• Sign the form in front of a notary public.

2. Photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID. Examples include:

• State-issued driver’s license
• Non-driver photo ID
• Military ID
• Passport
• Veterans Affairs ID
• Prison ID

If you don't have any of these IDs, please see Passport Vital Records IDs.

3. Check or money order. The cost is $50 for each record you request.

• Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
• Include a complete mailing address on the check.
• Checks and money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
• The Department is not responsible for cash lost in the mail.

4. Mail Form DS-5542, a photocopy of the ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records Section
    44132 Mercure Cir.
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA  20166-1213

Avoid delays by signing your Form DS-5542 in front of a notary public.

Processing Times

• Our processing times only include the time your request is being reviewed by our office.
• Mailing times, which may add up to 4 weeks on to the time it takes to receive your document, are not included in processing times.
• Once we receive your request in our office, we will process most requests in 4 to 8 weeks. Because of the unique nature of our records, we cannot provide expedited service. Some documents may take longer than 8 weeks to locate.
• Make sure you provide complete information on your Form DS-5542 and all your supporting documents (example: copies of consular documents requested) to avoid delays. Your processing times may be delayed if we need you to provide additional information to us.
• We can only provide official copies of records on file with the U.S. Department of State.

Consider the total time it will take to receive your record when submitting your request.   

Shipping

We will send your vital record to you. You can select First Class Mail or 1-2 Day Delivery:

• USPS First Class Mail: Takes one to two weeks. No additional charge. 
• 1-2 Day Delivery Service: Add $19.53 to the check or money order. 

Apostilles are specialized certificates attached to your consular documents. You must ensure that the country for intended use is a member of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.   

If you need an apostille to satisfy foreign document requirements, you must submit a:

1. Notarized, completed Form DS-5542
2. Photocopy of a valid state-issued, photo ID (e.g. driver's license) 
3. Check or money order. The cost is $50 if you need a new copy of your Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad.

• Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
• Include a complete mailing address on the check.
• Checks and money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
• The Department is not responsible for cash lost in the mail.

Mail your notarized Form DS-5542, photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records
    44132 Mercure Circle
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA 20166-1213

If you already have a consular document issued within the last five years, you don't need to pay for the apostille.

In addition to the Certificate of Witness to Marriage, you can request other consular documents for $50 per copy:

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Consular Report of Death Abroad
• Panama Canal Zone Birth and Death Certificates