ID Card & Passport Authentication
Need to use your identification documents abroad? Whether you are opening a foreign bank account, applying for residency, registering a business overseas, enrolling in an international school, or completing any legal process in a foreign country, your U.S.-issued identification documents will likely need to be authenticated. We certify and apostille any type of identification document — passports, driver's licenses, state IDs, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and more — for official use in foreign countries.
Our process is simple: upload a clear scan of your ID through our secure online portal, and we handle everything from there. We create a certified true copy, notarize it, obtain the state-level apostille, and mail the completed, authenticated document directly to you. No office visit required. No need to mail your original ID. The entire process can be done from anywhere in the country.
🔐 Upload Your ID Scan — We Do the Rest
Simply upload a clear scan or photo of your identification document through our portal. We print the certified copy, notarize it, apostille it, and mail the authenticated document back to you.
Upload Your Scan NowNo need to mail your original ID. We work from your uploaded scan.
(+ Shipping)
Worldwide
No Mailing Original
Per Document
Who Needs ID Authentication?
Anyone who needs to present proof of identity to a foreign government, institution, employer, bank, or legal authority. Authenticated copies of your ID are commonly required for overseas banking, property purchases, immigration applications, business registration, power of attorney execution, and legal proceedings abroad.
Why You Don't Send Your Original
Unlike diplomas or transcripts, you need your passport and ID with you at all times. That's why our process works from a scan. We print a high-quality copy from your uploaded scan, create a notarized certified true copy, and apostille it through the Secretary of State. The authenticated certified copy is what foreign authorities accept — not the original.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
For Hague Convention member countries, a state apostille is all you need. For non-Hague countries, we also coordinate federal authentication through the U.S. Department of State and embassy legalization through the destination country's embassy or consulate.
Identification Documents We Authenticate
We certify, notarize, and apostille copies of virtually every type of U.S.-issued identification document. Below is a complete list of the ID types we process.
| Document Type | Description | Common International Uses |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Passport | Current or expired U.S. passport (all pages or bio page only, depending on destination requirements) | Foreign bank accounts, property purchases, immigration, residency applications, business registration |
| U.S. Passport Card | Wallet-sized U.S. passport card issued by the Department of State | Identity verification abroad, supplemental ID for banking and legal processes |
| Driver's License | State-issued driver's license from any of the 50 U.S. states or DC | Foreign driver's license conversion, identity verification, residency proof, vehicle registration abroad |
| State ID Card | Non-driver identification card issued by any U.S. state DMV | Identity verification for foreign legal processes, banking, government filings |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | USCIS-issued Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card | Immigration documentation, dual residency applications, foreign employment, consular registration |
| Military ID (CAC) | U.S. military Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID | International military transfers, overseas employment, SOFA-related documentation, veterans' benefits abroad |
| NEXUS / Global Entry / SENTRI Card | Trusted traveler program cards issued by CBP | Identity verification for border and travel-related processes |
| Tribal ID Card | Identification issued by a federally recognized tribal government | Identity verification, international indigenous rights documentation |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | USCIS-issued work permit card (Form I-766) | Foreign employment verification, immigration transfers, identity documentation |
| Travel Document / Re-Entry Permit | USCIS-issued travel documents for permanent residents and refugees | International travel documentation, immigration processing abroad |
| Concealed Carry Permit | State-issued concealed carry or firearms license | Proof of licensing for international firearms transport, legal compliance abroad |
| Professional License ID | State-issued professional license cards (medical, legal, engineering, etc.) | Foreign professional licensing, reciprocal license applications, credential verification |
Have a different type of ID not listed above? Contact us at (760) 469-2997 or email submissions@federalapostille.org — if it is a U.S.-issued identification document, we can almost certainly authenticate it.
How ID & Passport Authentication Works
Identification documents cannot be apostilled on their own — they are not issued by a government office that the Secretary of State can directly authenticate. Instead, a notary public creates a certified true copy of the ID, and it is the notary's certificate that gets apostilled. This is the standard, internationally accepted method for authenticating identification documents.
The Certified True Copy Process
A licensed notary public examines a copy of your identification document and creates a notarial certificate attesting that the copy is a true, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original. The notary's signature and seal on this certificate is what the Secretary of State apostilles. Foreign governments and institutions accept this apostilled certified copy as official proof of your identity.
Why This Works from a Scan
Because the notary is certifying a copy of your ID (not the original), we can work directly from a high-quality scan or photograph that you upload to our portal. We print the copy, the notary creates the certified true copy attestation, and the Secretary of State apostilles the notary's certificate. You keep your original ID with you at all times — you never need to mail it.
Our Simple 3-Step Process
We have streamlined the entire ID authentication process so you can get your documents authenticated without leaving home.
Upload Your Scan
Visit our secure online portal and upload a clear, high-resolution scan or photo of your identification document. Make sure all text, photos, signatures, and barcodes are clearly visible. Include both front and back if applicable. Fill out the order form with your details and destination country.
- Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, HEIC
- Minimum resolution: 300 DPI recommended
- Include all pages for passports (or bio page only — specify which)
- Scan both front and back for cards (driver's license, state ID, green card, etc.)
We Notarize & Apostille
Once we receive your scan, our team prints a high-quality copy of your ID, and a licensed notary public creates a certified true copy attestation with their official signature and seal. We then submit the notarized document to the Secretary of State for an apostille. For non-Hague countries, we continue through the federal authentication and embassy legalization steps. The entire process takes 2 business days for Hague countries.
We Mail It Back to You
Your completed, apostilled certified copy of your ID is mailed directly to you (or to a specified address abroad) via your chosen shipping method. Every shipment includes tracking. You receive email updates throughout the process, including a tracking number when your documents ship. Domestic and international shipping available.
How to Use the Upload Portal
Here is a detailed walkthrough of submitting your ID authentication request through our online portal.
Go to the Order Portal
Navigate to www.federalapostille.org/submit-order. The portal is available 24/7 and takes about 5 minutes to complete. No account creation needed.
Fill Out the Order Form
Provide the following information:
- Full legal name as it appears on the ID being authenticated
- Email address for confirmations, status updates, and tracking
- Phone number in case we need to reach you
- Mailing address where you want the authenticated document sent
- Destination country — this determines apostille vs. full authentication chain
- Document type — specify the type of ID (passport, driver's license, green card, etc.)
- Number of authenticated copies needed
- Special instructions — specific requirements from the receiving institution, whether you need all passport pages or just the bio page, etc.
Upload Your ID Scan
Attach a clear, high-resolution scan or photo of your identification document. Make sure all four edges of the document are visible, text is legible, and photos are clear. For passports, specify whether you need all pages authenticated or just the biographical (photo) page.
Submit Payment
Pay securely online via credit card. Our flat rate starts at $120 per document, which includes printing, notarization, state apostille, and document review. Shipping is additional based on your chosen method and destination.
Receive Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email with your order number, estimated processing time, and a summary of your submission. Our team reviews your scan for quality and completeness — if we need a clearer image, we will contact you by email or phone before proceeding.
We Process & Ship
We print, notarize, apostille (and if needed, federally authenticate and embassy legalize), then ship the completed document to you with tracking. You receive email updates at each stage plus a tracking number when it ships.
Ready to Authenticate Your ID or Passport?
Upload your scan through our secure portal. We notarize, apostille, and mail the authenticated document directly to you — no need to send your original.
Upload Your Scan Now Call (760) 469-2997Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
The authentication path your ID takes depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
| Feature | Hague Country (Apostille) | Non-Hague Country (Legalization) |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Certified true copy by notary public | Certified true copy by notary public |
| Step 2 | State apostille from the Secretary of State | State authentication from the Secretary of State |
| Step 3 | Done — apostille is the final step | Federal authentication by the U.S. Department of State |
| Step 4 | N/A | Embassy or consulate legalization |
| Processing Time | 2 business days + shipping | Varies — typically 2-6 weeks |
| Example Countries | Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, UK, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Netherlands | China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Vietnam, Taiwan |
Non-Hague Authentication Chain
For non-Hague countries, the certified copy of your ID must pass through additional levels of authentication:
Notarized Certified True Copy
Our notary creates the certified true copy from your uploaded scan — the foundation of the authentication chain.
State Authentication (Secretary of State)
The Secretary of State authenticates the notary's signature and seal.
Federal Authentication (U.S. Department of State)
Our Washington, DC office hand-delivers to the Department of State Office of Authentications. Standard processing: 10-12 business days.
Embassy or Consulate Legalization
The destination country's embassy verifies the Department of State's seal. Processing times vary by embassy. We coordinate the entire submission.
Processing Timeline
Path A: Hague Convention Countries (State Apostille Only)
Total: 2 business days + shipping.
Path B: Non-Hague Countries (Full Authentication)
Total: Approximately 2-6 weeks depending on the embassy.
Common Reasons for ID & Passport Authentication
Foreign Bank Accounts
Opening bank accounts abroad requires authenticated proof of identity. Banks in most countries require an apostilled copy of your passport or government-issued ID.
International Real Estate
Purchasing property in a foreign country requires authenticated ID for deeds, title registration, and mortgage applications.
Power of Attorney
Granting power of attorney for international legal matters often requires an authenticated copy of your ID alongside the POA document.
Immigration & Residency
Visa and residency applications in many countries require apostilled copies of passports, green cards, or other government-issued ID as part of the application package.
Business Registration Abroad
Registering a company, opening corporate accounts, or becoming a director of a foreign entity often requires authenticated copies of your identification documents.
Legal Proceedings
Court proceedings, notarial acts, inheritance matters, and other legal processes in foreign countries frequently require authenticated proof of identity.
Driver's License Conversion
Converting your U.S. driver's license to a foreign license often requires an authenticated copy of your current license and/or passport.
School & University Enrollment
International schools and universities may require authenticated copies of student and parent IDs as part of enrollment and financial aid processes.
Scan Requirements & Tips
The quality of your scan directly affects the quality of the certified copy. Follow these guidelines to ensure your scan is accepted on the first submission.
Scan Quality Checklist
✓ High Resolution
Scan at 300 DPI minimum. Smartphone photos are acceptable if taken in good lighting with the camera held directly above the document (no angles). The entire document must be sharp and in focus.
✓ All Edges Visible
The complete document must be visible in the scan — all four edges, including any border designs. Do not crop the image so tightly that edges are cut off.
✓ Text Fully Legible
All printed text, handwritten text, document numbers, dates of birth, expiration dates, and barcodes must be clearly readable. If any text is blurry or obscured, retake the scan.
✓ Photo Clearly Visible
The photo on your ID must be clearly visible without glare, shadows, or reflections. When using a phone camera, avoid flash and use natural or diffused lighting.
✓ Both Sides (for Cards)
For driver's licenses, state IDs, green cards, military IDs, and other card-format documents, scan or photograph both the front and back.
✓ Color Scan Preferred
Submit in color rather than black and white. Color scans produce better certified copies and are more likely to be accepted by foreign authorities.
✓ For Passports: Specify Pages
Tell us whether you need just the bio page (photo page) or all pages authenticated. Some countries require all pages; others only need the bio page. If unsure, include all pages and specify the destination country — we will advise.
Common Reasons Scans Are Rejected
Blurry or out-of-focus images, glare or reflections covering text or photos, cropped edges, low resolution (below 200 DPI), heavy shadows, or scans taken at an extreme angle. If your scan does not meet our quality standards, we will contact you for a replacement before proceeding — there is no charge for the review.
Pricing
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Apostille (Hague) | Starting at $120/doc | 2 business days + shipping | Print + certified copy + notarization + state apostille |
| Full Authentication (Non-Hague) | Contact for quote | 2-6 weeks | Print + notarization + state + federal + embassy |
| Multiple IDs / Pages | Contact for quote | Same as above | Discounted per-document rate for 3+ documents |
| Full Passport (All Pages) | Contact for quote | Same as above | Each page certified and bound as a single authenticated package |
Shipping fees are separate. Domestic shipping via USPS Priority Mail is typically $8-12. International shipping available worldwide — contact us for rates to your destination.
Why Choose Federal Apostille and Notary Processing?
Upload-Based Process
No need to mail your original ID. Upload a scan and we handle everything — print, notarize, apostille, and ship.
Washington, DC Office
Steps from the U.S. Department of State for fastest federal turnaround on non-Hague processing.
2-Day State Processing
Certified copy, notarization, and state apostille in just 2 business days + shipping.
Any ID Type Accepted
Passports, driver's licenses, green cards, military IDs, state IDs, professional licenses — we handle them all.
Secure Handling
Your scans are processed securely and deleted after completion. Authenticated documents ship with tracking and insurance.
Dedicated Support
Phone (760) 469-2997 and email support. We help you determine exact requirements for your destination country.
Get Your ID or Passport Authenticated Today
Upload your scan, and we handle the certified copy, notarization, apostille, and shipping. Keep your original — we work from your scan.
Upload Your Scan Now Call (760) 469-2997Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to mail my original passport or ID?
+No. You never need to mail your original identification document. Simply upload a clear scan or photo through our online portal, and we create a certified true copy from the scan. You keep your original ID with you at all times.
What exactly is a "certified true copy"?
+A certified true copy is a photocopy of a document that a licensed notary public has examined and certified as being a true, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original. The notary attaches a notarial certificate with their signature and official seal. This notarial certificate is what gets apostilled by the Secretary of State.
Is an apostilled copy of my passport accepted internationally?
+Yes. An apostilled certified true copy of a passport or ID is the internationally recognized standard for proving identity in foreign countries. It is accepted by governments, banks, courts, immigration authorities, and institutions in all 124+ Hague Convention member countries. For non-Hague countries, the legalized version serves the same purpose.
How long does the process take?
+For Hague countries: 2 business days + shipping from the time we receive your scan. For non-Hague countries requiring federal authentication and embassy legalization: approximately 2-6 weeks depending on the embassy.
Can I authenticate an expired passport?
+Yes. We can create a certified true copy and apostille of an expired passport. However, check with the receiving institution or government to confirm they accept expired passport copies — some require a current, unexpired passport.
Do I need all passport pages authenticated or just the bio page?
+This depends on the destination country and the purpose. Many countries and institutions only require the biographical (photo) page. Others — particularly for immigration and residency applications — may require all pages, including blank ones and visa stamp pages. Specify your destination country and purpose when ordering, and we will advise on what is needed.
Can I use a phone photo instead of a scanner?
+Yes, as long as the photo is high quality. Use good, even lighting (no flash), hold the phone directly above the document (not at an angle), make sure all text and photos are sharp and in focus, and ensure all four edges of the document are visible. Avoid shadows and glare.
How much does it cost?
+State apostille starts at $120 per document, which includes printing, certified true copy, notarization, and state apostille. Full authentication for non-Hague countries varies — contact us for a quote. Shipping is additional.
Can I authenticate a driver's license for use abroad?
+Yes. We regularly authenticate driver's licenses for clients converting to foreign licenses, applying for residency, or needing proof of identity abroad. The certified true copy is notarized and apostilled just like any other identification document.
Is my scan stored securely?
+Yes. All uploaded scans are transmitted over encrypted connections and stored securely during processing. Once your order is complete and shipped, your scan files are deleted from our systems. We never share your identification documents with third parties.
Can you ship the authenticated document internationally?
+Yes. We ship worldwide via USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL. International shipping includes tracking. If you are already abroad and need the document sent to your foreign address, just provide the shipping address when you place your order.
Can you authenticate a green card / permanent resident card?
+Yes. We regularly authenticate USCIS-issued Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-551) for clients who need proof of U.S. permanent residency for foreign immigration, banking, business registration, or legal processes abroad.
