If you are planning to get married in a foreign country, the local government will almost certainly require you to present authenticated documents as part of your marriage application. Many of these documents — FBI background checks, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, federal court divorce decrees, federal name change orders, and naturalization certificates — are federal documents that can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Foreign marriage registrars and civil authorities need assurance that your U.S. documents are genuine. An apostille is the internationally recognized authentication under the Hague Apostille Convention that provides this verification. Without it, foreign officials will not accept your federal documents, and your marriage application will be delayed or denied.
Federal Apostille and Notary Processing specializes in preparing and submitting federal documents for apostille on your behalf. We are based in Washington, D.C. at 400 8th St NW, DC 20004 — steps from where your documents are processed — and we handle the entire process for $120 per document.
ⓘ State vs. Federal Documents for Marriage Abroad
Many people confuse state-issued and federal documents. A state birth certificate or state court divorce decree is apostilled by your state’s Secretary of State. However, FBI background checks, USCIS naturalization certificates, CRBAs, and federal court records are federal documents that can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Federal Apostille and Notary Processing handles all federal document apostilles.
Federal Documents Commonly Needed for Foreign Marriage
The specific documents required vary by country, but the following federal documents are most frequently requested by foreign marriage authorities:
| Federal Document | Why It Is Needed | Who Typically Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Background Check | Criminal history clearance required by many countries before issuing a marriage license | All U.S. applicants marrying in countries that require criminal background verification |
| Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA / FS-240) | Proof of birth and U.S. citizenship for Americans born outside the U.S. | U.S. citizens born abroad who need an official birth document for their marriage file |
| Federal Court Name Change Order | Proof that your legal name was changed through a U.S. federal court proceeding | Anyone whose current legal name differs from the name on other documents due to a federal court order |
| Federal Court Divorce Decree | Proof that a prior marriage was legally dissolved, clearing you to remarry | Previously married individuals whose divorce was granted by a federal court (military divorces, federal jurisdiction cases) |
| USCIS Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) | Proof of U.S. citizenship for naturalized citizens, often required alongside or instead of a passport | Naturalized U.S. citizens whose foreign marriage application requires citizenship documentation |
ⓘ Not Sure Which Documents You Need?
Every country has different requirements for foreign nationals seeking to marry. Some require only an FBI background check, while others require a full package of documents including birth records, divorce decrees, and citizenship proof. Contact our team at (760) 469-2997 or submissions@federalapostille.org — we can help you identify which federal documents need to be apostilled for your destination country.
Which Countries Require What?
While every country sets its own marriage requirements, common patterns emerge across regions:
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain) — Typically require an apostilled FBI background check, proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate or CRBA), and proof of divorce if previously married. Some require all documents to be translated into Arabic
- East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan) — Commonly require an FBI background check and an affidavit of single status. China requires an apostilled police clearance for marriage registration
- Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece) — Many European countries require a certificate of no impediment (Nulla Osta), FBI background check, birth certificate, and proof of any prior divorce. Italy and Spain may require apostilled divorce decrees and name change orders
- Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina) — Generally require an apostilled birth certificate, FBI background check, and divorce decree if applicable. Certified Spanish or Portuguese translation is typically required
- Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) — Often require a legal capacity to marry certificate along with an FBI background check. The Philippines requires a CENOMAR alongside apostilled U.S. documents
- Turkey — Requires an apostilled FBI background check, birth certificate, and proof of divorce if previously married, all with certified Turkish translations
Our Pricing
Our federal apostille service for marriage-related documents is $120 per document. This covers our complete end-to-end service: document review, preparation, submission to the U.S. Department of State, and return of your apostilled document. If you need multiple federal documents apostilled for your foreign wedding, each document is $120.
💰 Service Fee: $120 Per Document
Our flat rate of $120 per document includes document review, preparation, submission to the Department of State, and return shipping. Whether you need one FBI background check apostilled or a full package of five federal documents for your overseas wedding, the rate is the same — $120 each. Submit by uploading online, mailing in, or bringing in person to our Washington, D.C. office.
How Our Process Works
When you work with Federal Apostille and Notary Processing for your foreign marriage documents, we handle the complex federal bureaucracy so you can focus on your wedding plans. Here is how our process works:
- Submit Your Federal DocumentsUpload your documents online through our application form, mail them to our office at 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, or bring them in person. Tell us which country you are getting married in so we can advise on document requirements. Call (760) 469-2997 or email submissions@federalapostille.org. We are available 24/7.
- We Review Your DocumentsOur team reviews each federal document — FBI report, CRBA, naturalization certificate, federal court order — to confirm it meets the Department of State’s requirements. We check for proper signatures, seals, original documents (not copies), and identify any issues before submission.
- We Prepare Your Submission PackageWe complete all required paperwork and assemble your submission for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. If you have multiple documents, we prepare them all together for efficient processing.
- We Submit to the U.S. Department of StateBecause we are based in Washington, D.C. at 400 8th St NW, we coordinate directly with the Department of State’s Office of Authentications to submit your documents for apostille processing.
- You Receive Your Apostilled DocumentsOnce the Department of State issues the apostille certificates and attaches them to your federal documents, we return the completed package to you — ready for your foreign marriage application in any Hague Convention member country.
📅 Start Early — Weddings Have Fixed Dates
The Department of State’s standard apostille processing takes 4–8 weeks. Errors in your submission can add additional weeks of delay. Because your wedding date is typically fixed, we strongly recommend starting the apostille process 3–4 months before your planned ceremony. Our team ensures your submission is complete and correct the first time. Contact us to discuss your timeline.
FBI Background Check for Foreign Marriage
The FBI Identity History Summary (commonly called an FBI background check or FBI rap sheet) is the most frequently required federal document for getting married abroad. Many countries use it to verify that you have no criminal record that would disqualify you from marriage.
The FBI report must be the original document bearing the FBI Section Chief’s signature and official FBI seal. Photocopies and digital printouts are not accepted by the Department of State. If you have not yet obtained your FBI report, you can submit your fingerprints through an FBI-approved channeler (typically 3–5 business days) or directly to the FBI’s CJIS Division (12–16 weeks by mail). Learn more about our FBI apostille service.
CRBA Apostille for U.S. Citizens Born Abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the United States, your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA / FS-240) serves as your federal birth certificate. Many foreign marriage registrars require an apostilled birth document, and the CRBA fulfills this requirement for Americans born abroad. The CRBA is issued by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs but must be apostilled separately by the Office of Authentications. Learn more about CRBA apostilles.
Our Full Range of Services
Foreign marriage applications often require more than just an apostille. Federal Apostille and Notary Processing offers a complete suite of services to ensure your documents are ready for international use:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Apostille | Apostille processing for all U.S. federal documents through the Department of State — FBI checks, CRBAs, naturalization certificates, federal court documents (divorce decrees, name changes), military records (DD-214), SSA letters |
| Notary Public | Professional notary public services for affidavits of single status, sworn statements, and other documents that require notarization for your foreign marriage application |
| Certified / Sworn Translation | Certified translations into the language required by the foreign marriage authority — Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, and more |
| Embassy Legalization | For countries not members of the Hague Convention, we coordinate embassy legalization through the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate in Washington, D.C. |
Important Requirements and Tips
- Original documents only — The Department of State does not accept photocopies, scanned copies, or digital printouts for apostille. Submit original federal documents
- Check document validity periods — Some countries require FBI background checks to be less than 3 or 6 months old. Time your FBI report and apostille accordingly
- Translations may be required — Most non-English-speaking countries require certified translations of apostilled documents. We offer this as an additional service
- Non-Hague countries need embassy legalization — If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, your documents need embassy legalization instead of or in addition to an apostille
- Plan for multiple documents — Most foreign marriage applications require several documents. Identify everything you need early and submit them together to save time
- Federal court documents must bear the court seal — Divorce decrees and name change orders from federal courts must have the official court seal and clerk’s signature to be eligible for apostille
ⓘ Already Have a Wedding Date Set?
If your wedding date is approaching and you need federal documents apostilled, do not wait. Contact our team immediately at (760) 469-2997 or submissions@federalapostille.org. We can review your situation, identify exactly which documents you need, and begin the process right away. We are available 24/7.
