How Long Does It Take to Get an Apostille?
Quick Answer
2–8 weeks depending on whether you go through your state or the U.S. Department of State. Expedited services can cut it to 3–5 business days.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Getting an apostille takes 2–8 weeks for standard processing. State-level apostilles are typically faster at 2–4 weeks, while federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State take 4–8 weeks. Expedited options and professional apostille services can reduce the wait to as little as 3–5 business days.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country. It is recognized by all countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 nations). Without an apostille, foreign governments may not accept your U.S.-issued documents.
Processing Times by Method
| Method | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Secretary of State (standard) | 2–4 weeks | $5–$25 per document |
| State Secretary of State (expedited) | 3–7 business days | $25–$75 per document |
| U.S. Department of State (standard) | 4–8 weeks | $20 per document |
| U.S. Department of State (expedited) | 2–3 weeks | $20 + overnight shipping |
| Professional apostille service | 3–5 business days | $75–$250+ per document |
| Walk-in (select state offices) | Same day–2 business days | Varies |
State vs. Federal Apostille
State-Level Apostilles
Issued by your state’s Secretary of State office for documents originating within that state, including:
- Birth and death certificates
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Notarized documents
- Court documents
- School transcripts and diplomas
Federal-Level Apostilles
Issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. for federally issued documents, including:
- FBI background checks
- Documents notarized by a federal notary
- Patent and trademark documents
- Immigration documents from USCIS
Documents That Commonly Need Apostilles
| Document | Typical Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Foreign residency, marriage abroad | State |
| FBI background check | Work visa, immigration | Federal |
| Diploma or transcript | Study or work abroad | State |
| Power of attorney | International business transactions | State |
| Corporate documents | Foreign business registration | State |
| Marriage certificate | Spousal visa applications | State |
How to Get an Apostille
- Determine which authority issues the apostille (state or federal).
- Obtain a certified copy of the original document if needed.
- Complete the application form from the relevant office.
- Submit the document, application, and fee by mail or in person.
- Receive the apostille – it is attached to or stamped on your document.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Check if your state offers walk-in service – states like New York, Texas, and California do.
- Pay for expedited processing if your state offers it.
- Use overnight shipping both ways to eliminate mail transit time.
- Hire a professional apostille service for the fastest turnaround, especially for federal documents.
- Ensure your documents are correctly certified before submitting – rejected applications add weeks.
- Call ahead to confirm current processing times, which fluctuate seasonally.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Submitting uncertified photocopies instead of certified copies
- Sending state documents to the federal office (or vice versa)
- Missing signatures or notarizations on the original documents
- Incorrect payment amount or payment method
- Forgetting to include a return envelope with prepaid postage