US Department Of State

US Department of State Apostille

The U.S. Department of State issues apostilles for documents originating from federal entities (such as the FDA, FBI, USPTO, or any other federal entity) for use in Hague Convention countries .
For documents intended for use in non-Hague Convention countries, the Department issues a different type of certifications called “Authentication”.
These documents must first be certified or apostilled by the relevant U.S. state or territory.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an internationally recognized certificate that authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp of a public official on a document.
It is used to validate documents for use in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention.

U.S. Department of State Requirements for Document Submission

To ensure the authenticity and validity of documents submitted to the U.S. Department of State, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Digital Federal Documents:
Must be printed on original paper from the digital file.
Scans of digital documents are not acceptable.
Original Federal Documents:
Must bear the original signature and official seal of the issuing federal agency or official.
Notarization of federal documents is not required.
State-Certified Documents for Non-Hague Countries:
Digital Secretary of State seals are not accepted.
State-certified documents must be physically presented with an original, raised seal or original stamp.
Translations:
Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a signed and notarized translation statement.

Please carefully review these requirements to avoid delays or rejection in processing your document.
Please be advised that fees paid for documents that are rejected due to non-compliance with the Department of State's requirements are non-refundable.

How to Obtain a US Department of State Apostille?

Mail In Process

Step 1: Complete Form DS-4194
- Fill out the required information on Form DS-4194.
Step 2: Mail Your Request
- Send your completed Form DS-4194, a money order or check for the applicable fee (currently $20 per document).
  Include a self-addressed, prepaid envelope to the following address:

Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
44132 Mercure Cir,
PO Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166

Processing Time

3 weeks for processing. The processing time begins on the day the U.S. Department of State receives your request.

Walk In Process

Step 1: Complete Form DS-4194
- Fill out the required information on Form DS-4194.
Step 2: In-Person Submission
- Visit the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications in person:

Walk In Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Working Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays

Processing Time: 8 business days

Required Documents:

Completed Form DS-4194
Payment: Pay the required fee (currently $20 per document) by credit or debit card at the time of submission.
Document Retrieval: You will need to return in person to pick up your apostilled documents.

Mail-in Emergency Expedited Apostille Service

(may be processed by a private agency)

8 Business days, $57 Expedited fee
Per document

$20 U.S.D.O.S Fee
Per document

$77 Total Fee
Per document

Form DS-4149 is not needed
Digital received document can be submitted digitally.
Track Your order Online
Credit Card Payment is accepted.

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