What do I need for a birth certificate apostille?
You need an original NZ birth certificate and the receiving office’s instructions. Confirm the required certification, certificate age and translation before lodging.
How do I get my birth certificate apostilled?
- Request a quoteTell us the destination, deadline and whether you have a certificate.
- Supply or orderProvide your original or authorise us to order one.
- We lodge with DIAWe arrange the required apostille or authentication.
- Receive your documentsBy email or courier, as agreed in your quote.
How much does a birth certificate apostille cost?
| Service | Starting price, including GST |
|---|---|
| E-apostille by email using your suitable original. Physical delivery costs extra. | NZ$116 |
| Apostille using your suitable original, with return courier within NZ. | NZ$148 |
| New birth certificate ordered, apostilled and couriered to the UK. | NZ$244 |
These prices include the standard DIA fee. The UK package also includes certificate ordering and the BDM fee. Other destinations, urgent processing and translations are quoted separately. View all prices.
Can I use my existing birth certificate?
DIA requires the original NZ birth certificate. A scan or photocopy does not replace it. The receiving office sets any requirement for a recently issued certificate, so check its instructions before ordering a replacement.
If your name has changed, check which evidence the office needs. See name changes and birth certificates.
Can you order a new birth certificate?
Yes. Complete our letter of authority so we can order through BDM. You can use this service from NZ or overseas. Tell us if you need the certificate only. For a certificate that stays in New Zealand, you can order NZ certificates online and pay up front.
Do I need a paper apostille or an e-apostille?
Confirm whether the recipient accepts an e-apostille or requires paper. An e-apostille does not remove DIA’s original certificate requirement.
Does my certificate need translating?
Translation depends on the receiving office’s requirements. Share any translation instructions with your enquiry so we can quote for the required language and format. Translation assistance.
Does the destination require authentication?
The destination determines whether apostille or authentication applies. Check the government country guidance or read our apostille and authentication guide.
How long does ordering and apostille delivery take?
The total depends on ordering, processing and delivery. Your estimate accounts for certificate ordering, DIA processing, any translation and courier delivery. Tell us your deadline before proceeding. We confirm urgent service eligibility and the expected timeframe in your quote.
Birth certificates for a specific country: NZ birth certificate for the Philippine Embassy, birth and family documents for India, and birth certificates for use in Vietnam. Moving children to the UAE? See birth certificate attestation for the UAE. Italian parent? See registering a NZ-born child with Italy. Irish grandparent? Irish citizenship through a grandparent doesn't need an apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply from overseas?
Yes. We can order your NZ birth certificate and arrange its apostille and overseas delivery. Read how we order NZ birth certificates from overseas.
Does my birth certificate need a notary?
DIA accepts an original NZ birth certificate directly. Notarisation is not required for that original.
Can you deliver to the receiving office?
Yes. We can arrange tracked courier delivery to the address you confirm. Check that the office accepts courier deliveries.
Official requirements
DIA document requirements. Checked 12 October 2026.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.