What Is the Federal Apostille Process?
What Is the Federal Apostille Process?
The federal apostille process is a specific form of document authentication carried out by the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. It applies exclusively to documents issued by agencies of the United States federal government, such as the FBI, USCIS, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Department of Defense, the IRS, and federal courts. When a foreign government, employer, university, or legal authority requires proof that a U.S. federal document is legitimate, the federal apostille serves as that internationally recognized certification. FederalApostille.org specializes in guiding clients through every stage of this process, from initial document review through final delivery of the apostilled document.
Understanding the federal apostille process is essential for anyone who needs to use a U.S. government-issued document in another country. Whether you are applying for residency in Italy, seeking employment in Germany, registering a business overseas, or navigating immigration requirements, the federal apostille is a critical step that cannot be skipped or substituted. This guide explains every aspect of the process so that you can approach it with full confidence and avoid the delays, rejections, and confusion that affect thousands of applicants each year.
Key Distinction: A federal apostille is issued solely by the U.S. Department of State and applies only to documents originating from federal agencies. It is entirely separate from a state apostille, which is issued by a state Secretary of State for state-level and locally issued documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and court orders. Submitting a federal document to a state office, or a state document to the Department of State, will result in rejection.
The Apostille and the Hague Convention of 1961
The apostille originates from the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, which was adopted on October 5, 1961, by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Before the Convention came into force, authenticating a document for international use was a lengthy, expensive, and cumbersome process that often required certification at multiple levels of government followed by legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The Convention introduced the apostille as a single, standardized certificate that would be recognized by all member nations, thereby dramatically simplifying cross-border document authentication.
The United States became a party to the Hague Apostille Convention on October 15, 1981. Since then, apostilles issued by designated U.S. competent authorities have been recognized by all other member nations without the need for additional embassy or consular legalization. As of today, more than 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, making the apostille the most widely accepted form of international document authentication in the world. The Hague Conference on Private International Law maintains the official list of member states and oversees the ongoing administration of the Convention.
It is important to understand that the apostille itself does not certify the contents of the underlying document. Rather, it certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the document, and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp on the document. In practice, this means that a foreign authority receiving an apostilled document can trust that the document was genuinely issued by the agency identified on it, even though the apostille does not independently verify the facts stated within the document.
What Makes an Apostille "Federal"?
The term "federal apostille" refers to an apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State for a document that originates from a federal agency or institution of the United States government. In the American system, the authority to issue apostilles is divided between the federal government and the 50 individual state governments, plus the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Each of these authorities is considered a "competent authority" under the Hague Convention, but each has jurisdiction only over documents originating from its own level of government.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications is the sole competent authority for issuing apostilles on documents that originate from the federal government. This includes documents issued by any executive branch agency, the federal judiciary, and the U.S. Congress. No state Secretary of State has the authority to apostille a federal document, and the U.S. Department of State does not apostille documents issued at the state or local level. This clear division of authority is one of the most common sources of confusion for applicants, and misunderstanding it is one of the most frequent causes of rejected apostille applications.
By contrast, state-level apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State (or equivalent official) in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. These officials authenticate documents that originate from within their state, including vital records such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, state court documents, notarized documents, documents certified by county clerks, and other records originating from state and local agencies. If you need an apostille on a state-issued document, our pages on California, Texas, New York, and Florida provide additional guidance on how those state processes interact with federal authentication requirements.
Which Documents Require a Federal Apostille?
A federal apostille is required for any document that was issued by an agency, department, court, or other institution of the United States federal government. Below is a comprehensive overview of the most common categories of federal documents and the scenarios in which they typically require authentication.
FBI Background Checks
The FBI Identity History Summary Check is the single most commonly apostilled federal document. It is routinely required for immigration applications, work permits, residency visas, adoption proceedings, and background verification for employment abroad. Because it is issued by a federal agency, it can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
Certificates of Naturalization and Citizenship
Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), these documents are frequently required for dual citizenship applications, immigration proceedings in a second country, property transactions, pension claims, and legal proceedings abroad. They require federal apostille processing through the Department of State.
Federal Court Documents
Judgments, orders, opinions, and certified records from U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and other federal courts all require federal apostille for use in foreign legal proceedings. Learn more about court order apostille services.
USPTO Patent and Trademark Documents
Certified documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including patent registrations, trademark certificates, and related correspondence, require federal apostille for international intellectual property filings, licensing agreements, and enforcement proceedings abroad.
Social Security Verification Letters
Letters issued by the Social Security Administration verifying an individual's Social Security number, benefits status, or other information are federal documents that require U.S. Department of State apostille for international use.
FDA, USDA, and Other Agency Certificates
Export certificates, compliance letters, and regulatory documents issued by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are federal documents requiring Department of State authentication.
Federal Apostille vs. State Apostille: A Detailed Comparison
One of the most important distinctions in the U.S. apostille system is the difference between federal and state apostilles. Choosing the wrong authority is the single most common reason apostille applications are rejected. The table below provides a detailed comparison to help you determine which type of apostille you need.
| Characteristic | Federal Apostille | State Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications, Washington, D.C. | Secretary of State (or equivalent) in each state, D.C., or territory |
| Documents Covered | Documents issued by federal agencies, federal courts, and other federal institutions | Documents issued by state agencies, county offices, local governments, and notaries |
| Common Examples | FBI background checks, certificates of naturalization, USPTO documents, federal court orders, IRS documents, military records | Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, state court orders, notarized documents |
| Processing Location | Washington, D.C. only | State capital or designated state office |
| Standard Processing Time | 10 to 12 business days at the Department of State | Varies by state, from same-day to several weeks |
| Submission Methods | Mail, in-person drop-off in Washington, D.C., or through an authorized service like FederalApostille.org | Mail, in-person, or online (varies by state) |
If you are unsure whether your document requires a federal or state apostille, the simplest test is to identify the issuing authority. If the document was issued by any branch, agency, or instrumentality of the United States federal government, it requires a federal apostille from the Department of State. If it was issued by a state, county, city, or local authority, or if it is a document authenticated by a notary public, it requires a state apostille from the relevant Secretary of State. FederalApostille.org is available to help you make this determination for any document you need authenticated.
The Complete Federal Apostille Process: Step by Step
The federal apostille process involves several distinct stages, each of which must be completed correctly for the application to succeed. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process from document preparation through final delivery.
- Identify Your Document Type and Confirm Federal Jurisdiction: Before beginning, verify that your document was issued by a federal agency or federal court. Documents issued by state or local authorities cannot be processed through the federal apostille system. If you are uncertain, the team at FederalApostille.org can review your document and confirm whether it falls under federal or state jurisdiction.
- Obtain the Original Document or Certified Copy: The U.S. Department of State requires the original document or an officially certified copy issued by the originating federal agency. Standard photocopies, notarized copies, and unofficial reproductions are not accepted. If you need to obtain a certified copy from the issuing agency, plan for additional time, as agency response times vary.
- Prepare Your Submission Package: The Department of State requires specific materials to accompany your apostille request. This typically includes a completed DS-4194 application form, the original or certified document to be apostilled, a self-addressed prepaid return envelope (for mail submissions), and the applicable processing fee. Every detail of the submission package must be correct, as incomplete or incorrect packages will be returned without processing.
- Submit to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications: The submission is directed to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Submissions may be made by mail or by in-person drop-off at the authentication office. Many applicants choose to use a professional service like FederalApostille.org to handle this step, particularly if they do not reside near Washington, D.C.
- Department of State Review and Processing: Upon receipt, the Office of Authentications reviews the document to confirm that it meets all requirements for apostille issuance. Staff verify the document's authenticity, confirm that it was issued by a recognized federal authority, and check that all required signatures and seals are present and valid. Standard processing time is currently 10 to 12 business days from the date of receipt.
- Apostille Certificate Issuance: Once the document passes review, the Office of Authentications issues the apostille certificate. The apostille is typically attached to or affixed on the document itself. It bears the title "Apostille (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961)" and contains specific information about the document, the signing authority, and the authentication.
- Return Delivery of the Apostilled Document: The completed, apostilled document is returned to the applicant via the return envelope provided, or is picked up by the applicant or their authorized representative. If you are working with FederalApostille.org, we retrieve the document and ship it to you via secure tracked delivery to any domestic or international address.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications
The Office of Authentications is a unit within the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. It is physically located in Washington, D.C., and is the only office in the United States with the authority to issue apostilles on federal documents. The office operates under the authority granted to the United States as a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, and its apostilles are recognized by all member nations of the Convention.
The Office of Authentications handles two primary types of authentication. The first is the apostille, which is used for documents destined for Hague Convention member countries. The second is the authentication certificate (also called a certification), which is used for documents destined for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention. In the latter case, the Department of State authentication serves as one step in a longer chain that culminates in legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
The Office processes thousands of authentication requests each year, and its workload can fluctuate significantly depending on seasonal demand, global events, and immigration trends. Processing times are set by the Department and are currently listed at 10 to 12 business days, although actual turnaround may vary. The office does not offer expedited or rush processing directly, which is why many applicants choose to work with professional services like FederalApostille.org that can optimize the submission process and minimize overall turnaround time. For more information on faster options, see our expedited apostille service page.
Document Preparation Requirements
Proper document preparation is essential to a successful federal apostille application. The U.S. Department of State enforces strict requirements regarding the types of documents it will authenticate, and any failure to meet these requirements will result in the document being returned without an apostille. Below are the key preparation requirements that every applicant must understand.
Original Documents and Certified Copies
The Department of State requires either the original document or an official certified copy issued directly by the federal agency that created the document. A certified copy is one that bears an original signature and seal from the issuing agency and is specifically designated as a certified true copy. Photocopies, even if notarized, are generally not accepted for federal apostille processing. If you have only a photocopy of your federal document, you will typically need to contact the issuing agency to request a certified copy before you can proceed with the apostille.
Valid Signatures and Seals
The apostille process fundamentally depends on the ability of the Office of Authentications to verify the signature on the document. The signature must be that of an authorized official of the issuing federal agency, and it must be on file with the Department of State. Documents with illegible signatures, missing signatures, or signatures that are not on file may be rejected. Similarly, any required agency seals must be present, legible, and intact. Damaged or faded seals can cause processing delays or rejections.
Document Condition
Documents submitted for apostille must be in good physical condition. Pages must be intact, text must be legible, and the document must be free from alterations, erasures, or other modifications that could call its authenticity into question. Documents that have been laminated, stapled through critical content, or physically damaged may be rejected by the Office of Authentications. If your document is in poor condition, you may need to obtain a replacement from the issuing agency before proceeding.
Application Form and Fees
Each apostille request must be accompanied by a completed DS-4194 request form, which identifies the document being submitted, the destination country, and the applicant's contact information. The current federal processing fee must also be included. Fees may be paid by check, money order, or other methods specified by the Department of State. Incorrect fee amounts or unacceptable payment methods will result in the application being returned. FederalApostille.org handles all form preparation and fee submission on behalf of our clients, eliminating this potential source of error.
Submission Methods for Federal Apostille Applications
There are three primary methods for submitting a federal apostille application to the U.S. Department of State. Each has its own advantages, limitations, and considerations.
Submission by Mail
The most common method for individuals who do not reside in the Washington, D.C. area is to submit their application by mail. The applicant sends the completed DS-4194 form, the original or certified document, the applicable fee, and a prepaid self-addressed return envelope to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State. Processing begins when the submission is received and logged by the office. The primary disadvantage of mail submission is that it adds transit time on both ends of the process, and there is an inherent risk of documents being lost or delayed in transit.
In-Person Submission in Washington, D.C.
Applicants who are located in or able to travel to Washington, D.C. can submit their documents in person at the Office of Authentications. In-person submission eliminates mail transit time and allows the applicant to confirm that their submission is complete and accepted. However, in-person drop-off does not mean same-day processing. The standard 10 to 12 business day processing timeline still applies after the document is received. Pickup of the completed apostille can also be done in person once processing is finished.
Third-Party Professional Services
Many applicants choose to use a professional document authentication service such as FederalApostille.org to manage their federal apostille application. A professional service offers several significant advantages: expert pre-submission document review to catch and correct errors before the document reaches the Department of State, efficient submission and retrieval through established processing networks in Washington, D.C., secure document handling throughout the process, status tracking and communication, and the ability to bundle multiple authentication services such as apostille plus embassy legalization. For applicants who are not familiar with the federal apostille process, who do not reside near Washington, D.C., or who cannot afford the risk of a rejection or delay, a professional service can be the most reliable and efficient option.
What the Apostille Certificate Looks Like and Contains
The federal apostille certificate is a standardized document that conforms to the format prescribed by the Hague Apostille Convention. Every apostille issued by any competent authority in any member country follows the same basic format, ensuring universal recognition across all Hague member nations. Understanding what the apostille looks like and what information it contains can help you verify that your document has been properly authenticated.
The apostille certificate bears the heading "Apostille (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961)" in French, the official language of the Hague Convention. Below the heading, the certificate contains ten numbered fields that provide specific information about the authentication.
| Field Number | Content | Example for U.S. Federal Document |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Country of origin | United States of America |
| 2 | Name of the person who signed the document | Name of the federal official who signed the underlying document |
| 3 | Capacity in which the signer acted | Title and agency of the signing official |
| 4 | Seal or stamp on the document | Identification of the agency seal affixed to the document |
| 5 | Place of certification | Washington, D.C. |
| 6 | Date of certification | Date the apostille was issued |
| 7 | Name and title of the certifying official | Name and title of the Department of State authentication officer |
| 8 | Number of the apostille | Unique serial number assigned by the Office of Authentications |
| 9 | Seal or stamp of the certifying authority | Seal of the U.S. Department of State |
| 10 | Signature of the certifying official | Signature of the authentication officer |
The apostille certificate may be printed on a separate page and attached to the document, or it may be affixed directly to the document itself. In either case, the apostille and the underlying document together constitute the authenticated package. Foreign authorities will examine both the document and the apostille when verifying the authentication. Some countries may also verify the apostille through the electronic Apostille Program (e-APP), which allows online verification of apostilles issued by participating authorities.
The Chain of Authentication for Non-Hague Countries
While the apostille is the standard form of authentication for documents destined for Hague Convention member countries, many countries around the world are not members of the Convention. For documents going to non-Hague countries such as China, Canada, and certain nations in the Middle East and Africa, a different and more complex authentication process is required. This process is commonly referred to as embassy legalization or consular legalization.
For federal documents destined for non-Hague countries, the authentication chain typically proceeds as follows:
- U.S. Department of State Authentication: The first step is the same as the apostille process. The federal document is submitted to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State, which issues an authentication certificate (rather than an apostille) confirming that the document was issued by a recognized federal authority.
- Embassy or Consulate Legalization: After the Department of State has authenticated the document, it must then be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the destination country, which is typically located in Washington, D.C. The embassy reviews the Department of State authentication and, if satisfied, affixes its own legalization stamp or certificate to the document. Each embassy has its own requirements, fees, and processing times for legalization.
- Additional In-Country Requirements (If Any): Some destination countries may impose additional authentication requirements after the document arrives in-country, such as translation, notarization by a local notary, or registration with a ministry of foreign affairs. These requirements vary by country and by the type of document being authenticated.
The embassy legalization process is significantly more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than the apostille process. Each embassy operates on its own schedule, with its own fees and requirements, and some embassies have lengthy processing times. FederalApostille.org manages the full legalization chain for clients whose documents are destined for non-Hague countries, coordinating directly with both the Department of State and the relevant embassy to ensure seamless processing from start to finish.
How FederalApostille.org Streamlines the Federal Apostille Process
Navigating the federal apostille process independently requires navigating government procedures, ensuring precise document preparation, managing shipping logistics, and potentially waiting weeks for processing without clear communication about your document's status. FederalApostille.org was created specifically to eliminate these burdens and provide a reliable, professional pathway to federal document authentication.
When you work with FederalApostille.org, the process is straightforward. You submit your documents to us, and our team of specialists handles everything else. We review your documents to confirm they meet all Department of State requirements before submission. We prepare and submit the complete application package to the Office of Authentications. We monitor the status of your application throughout processing. And when your apostilled document is ready, we retrieve it and ship it to you via secure tracked delivery to any address in the United States or worldwide.
Our team processes federal apostilles on a daily basis, giving us deep familiarity with the requirements, procedures, and common issues that can delay or derail applications. This expertise translates directly into faster processing, fewer rejections, and a smoother experience for our clients. Whether you need an FBI background check apostille, authentication of a certificate of naturalization, or legalization of a federal court document for a non-Hague country, FederalApostille.org has the knowledge and the processing infrastructure to get it done right.
Common Pitfalls and Reasons for Rejection
Even experienced applicants can encounter issues with the federal apostille process. The U.S. Department of State applies strict standards to every submission, and errors that may seem minor can result in the entire application being returned without processing. Understanding the most common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
- Submitting to the wrong authority: This is the most frequent mistake. Federal documents sent to a state Secretary of State will be rejected because state officials do not have jurisdiction over federal documents. Similarly, state and local documents sent to the U.S. Department of State will be returned. Always verify the issuing authority of your document before submitting.
- Using photocopies instead of originals or certified copies: The Department of State requires original documents or certified copies issued directly by the federal agency. Standard photocopies, even if notarized by a notary public, are not accepted for federal apostille processing.
- Incomplete application materials: Missing the DS-4194 form, providing an incorrect fee amount, omitting the return envelope, or failing to include all required supporting materials will result in the application being returned without processing.
- Documents with missing or unverifiable signatures: If the signature on the document does not match the records maintained by the Office of Authentications, or if the signing official is not recognized, the apostille request will be denied. This can occur with older documents or documents signed by officials who are no longer in their positions.
- Damaged or altered documents: Documents that are torn, stained, laminated over critical areas, or that show evidence of alteration or tampering will be rejected. The Department of State must be able to verify the document's integrity.
- Expired or outdated documents: While most federal documents do not have an expiration date in the same way as a passport, some documents may be considered too old for apostille processing, or the issuing agency may have changed formats or procedures since the document was issued. In such cases, a new or updated document may be required.
- Confusing apostille with embassy legalization: Some applicants request an apostille when their document is actually destined for a non-Hague country that requires embassy legalization. The Department of State can issue a standard authentication certificate for non-Hague countries, but the applicant must correctly identify the destination country and the appropriate type of authentication.
FederalApostille.org's pre-submission review process is designed to catch every one of these issues before your document is submitted to the Department of State. Our specialists examine each document for compliance with all known requirements, and if an issue is identified, we work with you to resolve it before proceeding. This pre-screening step is one of the most valuable aspects of working with a professional service, as it can save weeks of delay and prevent the frustration of a rejected application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Apostille Process
What is an apostille, and how is it different from notarization?
An apostille is an international authentication certificate issued under the authority of the Hague Convention of 1961. It certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on a public document so that it will be recognized as valid in any of the 120-plus member countries of the Convention. Notarization, by contrast, is a domestic process in which a notary public witnesses the signing of a document and confirms the identity of the signer. Notarization alone is not sufficient for international document recognition. A notarized document may still require an apostille, and a federal document requires a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State rather than notarization.
How long does the federal apostille process take from start to finish?
The U.S. Department of State currently processes federal apostille requests within 10 to 12 business days from the date it receives the document. When you add shipping time to and from the Office of Authentications, total turnaround is typically two to four weeks for domestic applicants. Working with FederalApostille.org can help optimize the timeline by ensuring your submission is complete and correct on the first attempt, reducing the risk of delays caused by rejections or incomplete applications. For time-sensitive needs, visit our expedited apostille service page for faster options.
Can I get a federal apostille for a document issued by my state government?
No. The U.S. Department of State only issues apostilles for documents originating from federal agencies, federal courts, and other federal institutions. Documents issued by state governments, county offices, and local authorities must be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. If you need a state-level apostille for a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or state court order, that process is handled at the state level, not through the U.S. Department of State.
What is the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?
An apostille is used for documents destined for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It is a single certificate issued by the competent authority (the U.S. Department of State for federal documents) that is recognized by all member nations. Embassy legalization, also called consular legalization, is required for documents destined for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention. It involves obtaining a Department of State authentication followed by legalization at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Embassy legalization is a longer, more complex, and more expensive process than obtaining an apostille.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to obtain a federal apostille?
No. The federal apostille process is available to anyone who possesses a legitimate federal document that requires authentication for international use. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals may all request apostilles for federal documents. The requirement is that the document itself must be a genuine document issued by a U.S. federal agency, not that the applicant must hold any particular immigration status. FederalApostille.org serves clients of all nationalities and residency statuses.
Can I get an apostille for a federal document if I live outside the United States?
Yes. The federal apostille process is available to applicants regardless of their physical location. If you are living abroad and need a federal document apostilled, you can mail your document to the U.S. Department of State, or you can work with a service like FederalApostille.org to manage the process on your behalf. We accept documents from international locations and can ship your apostilled document to any address worldwide. This is particularly useful for U.S. citizens living in countries like Italy, Germany, or elsewhere abroad who need their federal documents authenticated.
What happens if the Department of State rejects my apostille application?
If the Department of State determines that your document does not meet the requirements for apostille issuance, the document will be returned to you along with a notice explaining the reason for the rejection. Common reasons include submitting the wrong type of document, providing a photocopy instead of an original, missing application materials, or unverifiable signatures. Once you receive the rejection notice, you must correct the issue and resubmit the application. FederalApostille.org's pre-submission review is specifically designed to prevent rejections by identifying and resolving issues before your document is submitted.
Is there a way to verify an apostille after it has been issued?
Some competent authorities participate in the electronic Apostille Program (e-APP), which allows online verification of apostilles. The U.S. Department of State has been working toward electronic verification capabilities, and the status of this program may change over time. In the interim, foreign authorities can contact the U.S. Department of State directly to verify the authenticity of an apostille by referencing the unique serial number printed on the certificate. The Hague Conference on Private International Law maintains information about e-APP participating authorities on its website.
Get Started With Your Federal Apostille Today
The federal apostille process does not have to be complicated, confusing, or stressful. With the right guidance and professional support, you can have your federal document authenticated and ready for international use in a matter of weeks. FederalApostille.org has helped thousands of clients navigate the federal apostille process successfully, and our team is ready to assist you with your FBI background check, certificate of naturalization, Social Security verification letter, federal court document, or any other federally issued document that requires U.S. Department of State authentication.
Whether your document is destined for a Hague Convention member country or requires the additional step of embassy legalization for a non-Hague destination, FederalApostille.org provides end-to-end service that covers document review, submission, monitoring, retrieval, and delivery. Our goal is to make the federal apostille process as straightforward and reliable as possible, so you can focus on the reason you need the authentication in the first place.
Compliance Disclaimer: FederalApostille.org is a private document processing service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. federal government, or any government agency. All federal apostille authentication is performed exclusively by the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. Our service facilitates the preparation, review, submission, and return shipping of documents on behalf of our clients. Processing times referenced throughout this page are estimates based on current U.S. Department of State timelines and are subject to change without notice. Fees charged by FederalApostille.org are for our professional services and are separate from any government filing fees. This page is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your legal situation.
