How to Obtain and Apostille a Negative Search Letter from the National Archives (NARA): Step-by-Step Instructions

If you recently received a Negative Search Letter from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), you may need to have it apostilled for use in another country.
This letter, sometimes called a Letter of No Record, confirms that a search for a person’s naturalization or citizenship record was conducted and that no record was found in NARA’s holdings.

Foreign governments often require this document during dual citizenship, passport renewal, or legalization processes — but getting it apostilled through the U.S. Department of State can be confusing and time-consuming.

Below is your complete step-by-step guide, including how DC Mobile Notary can handle everything for you — quickly, securely, and with no mailing required.

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Step 1: Request the Negative Search Letter from NARA

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Start by submitting your records search request through NARA’s official website:
National Archives – Dual Citizenship and Naturalization FAQ

You’ll find detailed instructions and links to each NARA regional office (Boston, New York, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, etc.).

When filling out the request, include:

• Full name and all name variations
• Date and place of birth
• Approximate naturalization or immigration year
• Spouse’s name or related case information (if known)

Once the search is complete, NARA will email you a digitally signed PDF letter confirming whether or not a record was found.

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Step 2: Understand What the NARA Negative Search Letter Means

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If your letter indicates that no record was found, it does not necessarily mean no record exists — only that NARA does not have it in its archives.

This official response, signed digitally by a NARA technician, is the document you will need to apostille to prove to foreign authorities that the U.S. government confirmed a search was conducted.

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Step 3: How Apostilles for NARA Letters Work

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Because NARA is a federal agency, your letter falls under federal jurisdiction.
This means the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications is the only authority that can issue an apostille for it.

Official instructions are available on the U.S. Department of State website:
U.S. Department of State – Apostille & Authentication Services

However, if you choose to submit it yourself by mail, expect a processing time of 5–6 weeks due to federal backlog.
Fortunately, there’s a faster and easier way.

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Step 4: The Fastest Way – Let DC Mobile Notary Handle It for You

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At DC Mobile Notary, we make the process simple and fast.
You don’t need to print, fill out, or mail anything — we take care of everything for you.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. Go to our secure online form:
   https://www.dcmobilenotary.com/apostille
2. Fill out the short form with your name, contact details, and service type.
3. Once we receive your submission, our team will send you an email confirmation with the exact price and simple payment instructions.
4. You then forward the NARA email or upload the PDF you received.
5. From that point on, we handle everything:
   • We print your digitally signed NARA letter.
   • We complete all required federal forms.
   • We personally submit it to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on your behalf.
6. Within 9 business days, your document will be apostilled.
7. Finally, we’ll mail the apostilled document to you via UPS (with tracking) or arrange a local D.C. drop-off if preferred.

That’s it — no printing, no mailing, no complicated paperwork.
We do everything for you.

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Why Clients Choose DC Mobile Notary

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DC Mobile Notary is the highest-rated apostille service company in the United States.
We’ve helped thousands of clients nationwide process their federal apostilles, including NARA Negative Search Letters, FBI background checks, and other U.S. government documents.

Here’s why clients consistently rate us 5 stars on Google and Yelp:

• Fastest federal apostille service — completed in just 9 business days.
• No mailing required — everything done online and in person by our staff.
• Secure & verified process — all documents are handled confidentially.
• In-person submission — we personally deliver to the U.S. Department of State.
• Trusted by thousands — over 600 five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees; all costs confirmed by email before processing.

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Step 5: Processing Timeline & Delivery

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• Standard turnaround: 9 business days after receiving your PDF
• Delivery: UPS nationwide shipping or local drop-off
• Confirmation: You receive an email with updates and tracking details

With our in-person service, you skip the long government mailing delays and get your apostilled NARA letter weeks faster.

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Summary: Simple, Fast, and Fully Online

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OptionProcessing TimeWho Handles ItWhat You DoMail to U.S. Department of State5–6 weeksYouPrint, fill forms, and mailDC Mobile Notary9 business daysOur teamJust fill the form and forward your NARA PDF

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Start Your Apostille Request Today

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Skip the 5-week government delay and let DC Mobile Notary make it easy for you.
Simply complete the online form — we’ll confirm everything by email and process your document in just 9 business days.

👉 Start Your Apostille Request Here

With hundreds of 5-star reviews, clients love how simple our process is — no printing, no mailing, no waiting.
We do it all for you, from printing to final UPS delivery.