How to Apostille Federal Documents at the U.S. Department of State (Fastest Alternative Option)

Table of Contents

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1. What Type of Certificate Do You Need?
2. Step 1 — Prepare Your Federal Document
3. Step 2 — Complete Form DS-4194
4. Step 3 — Choose Your Submission Method
5. Step 4 — Assemble Your Packet
6. Step 5 — Submit and Track Your Request
7. Address and Hours of Operation
8. Quick Checklist
9. Fastest Alternative Option with DC Mobile Notary

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What Type of Certificate Do You Need?

The U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications issues two types of certificates:

• Apostille Certificates → for use in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention.
• Authentication Certificates → for use in countries not part of the Hague Convention.

👉 Official U.S. State Department page

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Step 1 — Prepare Your Federal Document

• Make sure the document is a federal document (examples: FBI background check, IRS residency letter, USDA certificate, USCIS certificate, federal court judgment).
• It must be an original or certified copy with an official seal or signature.
• Do not notarize the original federal document.

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Step 2 — Complete Form DS-4194

• Download and fill out Form DS-4194.
• List the destination country (this determines apostille vs authentication).
• Provide your full return address and contact details.

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Step 3 — Choose Your Submission Method

Option A — 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 only).
• Include prepaid USPS or UPS return envelope (no FedEx returns).

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

Option C — Appointment (Emergencies Only)

• Available only for life-or-death emergencies with proof of urgent international travel (less than 2 weeks).
• Times: Mon–Thu, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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Step 4 — Assemble Your Packet

• Completed Form DS-4194.
• Original/certified federal documents.
• Payment ($20 per document). Prepare a check payable to "US Department of State".
• Prepaid return envelope (USPS or UPS only).

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Step 5 — Submit and Track Your Request

• Mail: Use USPS with tracking. Processing begins when the package arrives in DC (not Sterling, VA).
• Walk-in: You’ll receive a receipt at drop-off and pick up your documents in ~7 business days.

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Address and Hours of Operation

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

• 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.

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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 (7 business days), or Appointment (emergency)

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Fastest Alternative Option with DC Mobile Notary

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If you live outside Washington, DC or don’t want to wait weeks, there’s a faster solution.

Starting October 2024, DC Mobile Notary will hand-deliver your federal documents directly to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This ensures completion in just 9 business days after submission, compared to 5+ weeks by mail.

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✅ No travel to DC required
✅ Faster than mailing directly
✅ Personalized updates and service

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📌 Visit DC Mobile Notary Apostille Services
📧 Email: support@dcmobilenotary.com
📞 Call: 202-247-0837

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