To register a U.S.-born child with the Junta Central Electoral (JCE), the Dominican Republic’s civil registry authority, you need three things: the apostilled U.S. birth certificate, a Spanish translation with the right legalization, and copies of the Dominican parents’ cédula or Dominican passport. The JCE calls this a transcripción: it records the foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry.
If the translator works outside the Dominican Republic, the translation must be apostilled too. Below we explain who apostilles each document, because it is not always the same office.
What the JCE asks for
This list comes from the JCE’s official Civil Registry Services and Requirements page, under the transcription of a birth certificate of a Dominican’s child issued abroad:
- Apostilled birth certificate, original and recent.
- Spanish translation with the required legalization, original.
- Copy of the cédula de identidad y electoral or Dominican passport of the parents, clearly legible.
- Copy of the child’s passport or foreign ID, if the child is over 15.
The JCE notes that it may ask for any other document. If the birth certificate or the apostille is electronic, bring the verification printout for each one.
The listed fee is RD$4,000 to file the document. VIP service costs RD$2,000 more.
Which translations the JCE accepts
This is where most people get stuck. The JCE accepts three routes, and each needs a different legalization:
- A foreign translator (for example, one in the U.S.): the translation must be apostilled by the country of origin.
- A Dominican consulate: if the consulate translates or certifies the translation, it is legalized at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- A Dominican interpreter: the translation is legalized at the Dominican Attorney General’s office (Procuraduría General).
Fidelis falls under the first route. Jorge Cardona translates and signs in Florida, so order the notarized version. A Florida notary public notarizes Jorge’s signature, and you then request the apostille from the Florida Department of State. Fidelis does not handle apostilles.
A translation by the consulate or by an interpreter in the Dominican Republic is also valid. Pick whichever route works best for you.
Who apostilles each document
There are two apostilles, and they may come from two different states.
The birth certificate: the state where your child was born
The birth certificate is apostilled by the state that issued it, not the state where you live. The Florida Department of State puts it plainly: a document issued in another state goes to that state’s competent authority.
- Born in Florida: the Florida Department of State apostilles birth certificates from the Bureau of Vital Statistics signed by the State Registrar.
- Born in New York City: the Dominican Consulate General in New York says to order the long form with an exemplification letter and to give “apostille/authentication” as the reason.
- Born in another state: order a certified copy from that state and have it apostilled by its competent authority.
One detail: in Florida, a notary cannot attest copies of birth certificates. The apostille goes on the certified copy the state issues.
The notarized translation: Florida
If the translation is notarized in Florida, the Florida Department of State issues the apostille, even when the birth certificate comes from another state. According to its apostille page:
- The fee is $10 per document, by check or money order payable to the “Florida Department of State.” No cash or credit cards.
- You mail the request form with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Walk-in service is available in Tallahassee (2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The document must carry the notary’s original signature, seal and full notarial statement. Photocopies are not accepted.
Consulate or JCE: where to start
The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) explains on its birth declaration page that parents can declare their child at a Dominican consulate. According to MIREX:
- It is free and takes from 10 minutes to two hours.
- Both parents bring the child, a 4 x 5 cm photo, their Dominican documents and a witness with a cédula.
- The foreign birth certificate must be legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Afterward, the parents must ask the JCE to transcribe the certificate the consulate issues.
Ask your consulate which route applies to you and which office takes the file.
Step by step
- Order a certified copy of the birth certificate from the state where your child was born. For New York City births, ask for the long form with an exemplification letter.
- Get the birth certificate apostilled by that state’s competent authority.
- Order the Spanish translation, notarized. We recommend sending us the certificate after it is apostilled, so the apostille is translated too.
- Get the notarized translation apostilled by the Florida Department of State: $10 per document.
- Gather copies of the parents’ cédula or Dominican passport, and the child’s passport if the child is over 15.
- File everything with the JCE or the consulate, as they direct you, and pay the RD$4,000 fee. The JCE books appointments at citas.jce.gob.do.
What the translation costs at Fidelis
Translation costs $29 for the first page and $25 for each additional page, up to 500 words per page. Florida notarization adds $30 per order. A one-page birth certificate, notarized, comes to $59.
A notarized translation is ready in 1 business day. We review the certificate and confirm the price and timeline before you pay. Jorge Cardona translates and signs every translation, in mirror format.
Our U.S. birth certificate Spanish translation page shows a sample and the cases where an English birth certificate needs no translation at all.
Already have the apostilled birth certificate? Send us a clear photo of every page, including the apostille, and we will confirm the price before you pay.