How to Apostille a National Archives (NARA) Document
If you need to use a U.S. federal document in another country, you will likely need an apostille from the National Archives (NARA) process. An apostille verifies that your document is real and accepted internationally. Many people need this service for immigration, work visas, dual citizenship, marriage abroad, or legal matters.
This guide explains how to apostille a NARA document step by step using simple and clear language.
What Is an Apostille and Why It Is Required
An apostille is an official certificate attached to a public document. It confirms the signature and seal so foreign governments can trust the document.
Apostilles are used between countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is part of this agreement, you only need an apostille — not embassy legalization.
You may need a NARA apostille for documents such as:
Military service records
Immigration or naturalization records
Federal employment records
Historical federal documents
Certified copies from National Archives
Because NARA is a federal agency, apostilles for its records are issued by the U.S. Department of State, not state offices.
Request Your Certified Document from NARA
Before you can apostille a document, you must get a certified original copy from the National Archives.
How to Request Records from NARA
You can order records by:
Using the NARA online ordering system
Submitting a request through eVetRecs for military records
Sending a written request by mail
Make sure to request a certified copy, not a regular photocopy. Apostilles are only issued for official certified documents.
Processing time may take several weeks depending on the record type and demand.
Check If Your Country Requires an Apostille
Not all countries use apostilles. Before applying, confirm that your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If the country is not a member, you may need embassy legalization instead of an apostille. This is a different process.
You can find the list of Hague countries on the U.S. Department of State website.
Prepare Your Apostille Application
Once you receive your certified NARA document, you can begin the apostille process.
What You Will Need
To apostille a document from NARA, prepare the following:
Original certified document from NARA
Completed Apostille Request Form
Payment for the processing fee
Self-addressed return envelope
Optional cover letter with instructions
Make sure all forms are filled out clearly. Incorrect or missing information can delay processing.
Submit Your Documents to the U.S. Department of State
All federal apostilles are handled by the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office in Washington, DC.
Mail your complete application package using a trackable shipping service such as USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS.
Your package should include:
Apostille request form
Original NARA document
Payment
Return envelope
Always keep your tracking number for reference.
Wait for Apostille Processing
Processing times vary depending on workload and service type. Standard processing usually takes several weeks. Expedited services may be available through private apostille service providers.
Once complete, the Department of State will return:
Your original NARA document
An attached apostille certificate
The apostille includes an official seal and signature verifying the authenticity of your federal document.
Use Your Apostilled Document Abroad
After receiving your apostilled document, you can submit it to foreign authorities for:
Immigration applications
Residency permits
Marriage registration
Work visas
Dual citizenship requests
International legal matters
Always check if your destination country requires a certified translation along with the apostille.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors when apostilling NARA documents:
Sending photocopies instead of certified originals
Using state apostille offices for federal records
Forgetting payment or return envelope
Entering the wrong destination country on the form
Not verifying Hague Convention requirements
Double-checking your paperwork helps prevent rejection and delays.
Helpful Tips for Faster Processing
Order NARA records early
Use trackable shipping
Follow form instructions carefully
Label your documents clearly
Keep copies of everything you submit
If timing is urgent, consider professional apostille services that hand-carry documents to the Department of State.
Conclusion
Learning how to apostille a document from the National Archives (NARA) becomes simple when you follow the correct steps. The process includes ordering your certified federal record, submitting it to the U.S. Department of State, and waiting for authentication.
By preparing your documents properly and understanding the requirements, you can avoid delays and ensure your paperwork is accepted internationally.
A correctly apostilled NARA document gives you peace of mind when handling important international matters.
