How to Apostille Federal Documents at the U.S. Department of State (Expedited)

Written By Troy Toliver

If you need to apostille federal documents for international use, the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications is the agency that handles the process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through it, along with tips for faster processing.

Apostille vs. Authentication Certificates

The U.S. Department of State issues two types of certificates, depending on the country where you’ll use your documents:

  • Apostille Certificates → For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

  • Authentication Certificates → For countries that are not part of the Hague Convention.

Step 1 — Verify Your Federal Document

Your document must be a genuine federal record (not state-issued). Common examples include:

  • FBI background checks

  • IRS residency letters

  • USDA export certificates

  • USCIS-issued documents

  • Federal court judgments

It must be an original or certified copy with an official seal or signature.
Do not notarize your federal document.

Step 2 — Complete Form DS-4194

  • Download and fill out Form DS-4194.

  • Clearly list the destination country (this determines whether you’ll receive an apostille or authentication).

  • Provide a return address and reliable contact information.

Step 3 — Pick a Submission Method

Option A — By Mail (5+ Weeks)

  • Processing time: 5+ weeks.

  • Send packet to:

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

  • Fee: $20 per document (check or money order).

  • Include a prepaid USPS or UPS return envelope (FedEx not accepted).

Option B — Walk-In (≈ 9 Business Days)

  • Drop-off: Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 a.m.

  • Pickup: About 9 business days later.

  • Address: 600 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

  • Limit: 15 documents per person per day.

  • Fee: $20 per document (credit, debit, or exact cash).

Option C — Appointment (Emergencies Only)

  • Reserved for life-or-death emergencies requiring urgent international travel (within 2 weeks).

  • Times: Mon–Thu, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Step 4 — Assemble Your Packet

Your application must include:

  • Completed Form DS-4194

  • Original or certified federal documents

  • Payment ($20 per document, payable to “U.S. Department of State”)

  • Prepaid return envelope (USPS or UPS)

Step 5 — Submit and Track

  • Mail: Use USPS with tracking. Processing begins once the packet arrives in Washington, DC (not Sterling, VA).

  • Walk-in: You’ll receive a drop-off receipt and can collect your documents within about 7–9 business days.

Office Details

Mailing Address:

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

Physical Address (Walk-ins/Appointments):

Office of Authentications
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Hours of Operation:

  • Office: Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.

  • Walk-ins: Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 a.m.

  • Appointments: Mon–Thu, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

  • Closed on federal holidays

Quick Checklist

  • Federal document (original/certified, not notarized)

  • Completed DS-4194 form

  • $20 per document fee

  • Prepaid USPS/UPS return envelope

  • Submission method: Mail (5+ weeks), Walk-in (≈9 days), or Appointment (emergency only)

Faster Alternative

If you don’t want to deal with long wait times, consider a faster option.

We offer a hand-delivery service for federal documents directly to the U.S. Department of State.

  • No need to travel to Washington, DC

  • Processing completed in about 9 business days (instead of 5+ weeks by mail)

  • Personalized service with real-time updates

Troy Toliver
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