How to Obtain a Triple Seal from the Arlington County Circuit Court for International Use

If you're preparing official U.S. documents for use overseas—whether for legal, personal, or immigration purposes—certain records issued by Virginia courts must be authenticated through a special process. For residents of Arlington County, this includes obtaining a Triple Seal from the Arlington County Circuit Court for documents such as divorce decrees or marriage certificates.

This article explains the process of obtaining a Triple Seal in Arlington County and how to use these certified documents for apostille or embassy legalization.

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Understanding the Triple Seal

A Triple Seal is an official court certification that confirms:

• The document is an accurate and certified copy issued by the court.
• The official who signed the document has the authority to do so.
• The court’s seal and signature are valid and legally binding.

Foreign authorities, including apostille offices and embassies, often require this extra layer of verification before accepting court-issued documents. It acts as the first step in international document authentication.

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When Do You Need a Triple Seal?

You will typically need a Triple Seal if:

• You are submitting a divorce decree from Arlington County to a foreign government, court, or embassy.
• You need to present a marriage certificate (issued by Arlington Circuit Court) abroad for reasons such as marriage registration, visa applications, or name changes.
• You plan to obtain an apostille or pursue embassy legalization for any court-issued documents.

Only original certified records from the Arlington Circuit Court are eligible for this certification. Documents must have been filed and maintained by the court directly—not issued by other government offices such as Vital Records.

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1. Triple Seal for Divorce Decrees

A divorce decree is a legal record issued by the Circuit Court that officially terminates a marriage. For international purposes, such as remarriage, immigration, or property settlements abroad, this decree often needs to be legalized through a multi-step process beginning with the Triple Seal.

How to Get a Triple Seal on a Divorce Decree in Arlington County:

Step 1: Order a Certified Copy

• Contact the Arlington County Circuit Court to request a certified copy of your divorce decree.
• You’ll need the names of both parties and the date of the divorce.
• Certified copies generally cost $2.50 per page, with an additional $2 for the clerk’s certification.

Step 2: Request the Triple Seal

• When placing your order, clearly state that the document will be used internationally and that you need it “Triple Sealed” for authentication.
• The clerk will prepare the document with a special certification page, including an embossed seal and authorized signature.
• Additional fee for this service is usually under $5.

Step 3: Prepare for Apostille or Embassy Legalization

• After receiving the Triple Sealed decree, it can be submitted to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth for apostille.
• If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document will need to go through the embassy or consulate for further legalization.

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2. Triple Seal for Marriage Certificates (Filed with Arlington Circuit Court)

Marriage certificates in Virginia can be issued either by the Department of Vital Records or the Circuit Court—but only Circuit Court–issued versions can be Triple Sealed.

If your marriage license was issued in Arlington County and the marriage was registered there, the certificate will be available through the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and eligible for this process.

Steps to Obtain a Triple Seal for a Marriage Certificate:

Step 1: Confirm the Certificate Origin

• Check that your marriage was filed through the Arlington County Circuit Court.
• If the document was issued by the Virginia Department of Health, it cannot be triple sealed and must be ordered again from the court.

Step 2: Request a Certified Copy

• Visit or contact the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk’s Office with the full names of both spouses and the marriage date.
• Request a certified copy specifically for international use.
• Fees are usually $2.50 per page plus $2 for certification.

Step 3: Ask for Triple Seal

• Clearly request that a Triple Seal be added to the document.
• The clerk will attach a formal certification sheet with the court’s raised seal and signature, confirming its authenticity for international authorities.

Step 4: Submit for Apostille or Legalization

• Once you have the Triple Sealed document, submit it to:
  • The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth (for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention).
  • The foreign embassy/consulate (for non-Hague countries like UAE, Egypt, or China).

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Fees and Processing Time

• In-person requests at the court can often be processed the same day.
• Mail requests may take 5–10 business days, depending on court volume.
• Triple Seal and certified copy fees usually total between $5 and $15.

Always check the latest requirements on the Arlington County Circuit Court website or call in advance to verify current processing times and document fees.

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Key Points to Remember

• Not all marriage certificates are eligible: only Circuit Court–issued records can be triple sealed.
• Divorce decrees must be finalized, signed by the judge, and filed in Arlington County.
• Documents must be in original certified format to be eligible—photocopies and scans are not accepted.
• A Triple Seal is not the same as an apostille—it’s a prerequisite that must be completed before apostille or embassy legalization.

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Need Help Handling the Process?

We understand that dealing with legal documents, certifications, and foreign requirements can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer professional document handling services, including:

• Ordering certified copies on your behalf.
• Securing the Triple Seal from Arlington County Circuit Court.
• Submitting the documents for apostille or embassy legalization.
• Assisting with certified translations in Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Chinese, and more.

We can obtain apostille certificates and secure the Triple Seal for your Arlington County divorce or marriage documents.
📞 Call us at 202-247-0837 or email support@dcmobilenotary.com to get started today.

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