---
title: "How to Apostille a Document in the U.S. | 1Apostille"
url: https://1apostille.com/how-to-apostille
description: "Complete guide to apostilling documents in the United States. Step-by-step process, costs, timelines, and document-specific guides for all 50 states."
lang: en
---

Complete Guide

# How to Apostille a Document in the United States

An apostille is a government-issued certificate that authenticates a U.S. document for international use. Whether you need a birth certificate, FBI background check, diploma, or corporate document apostilled, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from the step-by-step process to costs, timelines, and common mistakes.

Start Apostille Order: https://1apostille.com/order

Call (833) 725-8001: 8337258001

All 50 States 120+ Countries Expedited Available Free Document Review

## What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an internationally recognized form of authentication issued by a government authority. It certifies that a document — such as a birth certificate, court order, or notarized agreement — is genuine and carries the proper signature, seal, or stamp of the issuing official. The apostille system was established by the Hague Convention of 1961, and today over 120 countries accept apostilled documents without requiring further embassy or consulate legalization.

In the United States, apostilles for state-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders, notarized documents) are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued or notarized. Federal documents (FBI background checks, federal court orders) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

The apostille does not certify the content of the document itself — it only authenticates the signature and seal of the official who signed or certified the document. This distinction is important: an apostille confirms that the document is genuine, not that the information in it is accurate.

## State vs. Federal Apostille

### State Apostille

State apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued or notarized. This covers the vast majority of documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, court orders, notarized documents, and corporate filings.

- Processing: 5–10 business days (standard)
- Cost: $2–$25 per document
- Expedited: 1–3 business days (most states)

### Federal Apostille

Federal apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This applies to documents issued by federal agencies, including FBI background checks (Identity History Summary), federal court orders, and other federal documents.

- Processing: 4–8 weeks (standard)
- Cost: $20 per document
- Expedited: 2–3 weeks

## How to Apostille a Document — Step by Step

1

### 1. Determine Document Type

Identify whether your document is state-issued (birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order) or federal (FBI background check). This determines which authority will process your apostille.

2

### 2. Obtain a Certified Copy

You need a certified copy of your document from the official issuing authority. Photocopies, informational copies, and unofficial versions are not accepted for apostille.

3

### 3. Verify Document Requirements

Check that your document has the proper signatures, seals, and certifications. For notarized documents, verify the notary's commission is current and registered in the state.

4

### 4. Submit to the Correct Authority

State documents go to the Secretary of State in the issuing state. Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State. We handle the routing automatically.

5

### 5. Pay Processing Fees

Each state has its own fee schedule ($2–$25 per document). Federal apostilles cost $20. Our service fee covers review, submission, and return shipping.

6

### 6. Receive Your Apostilled Document

The apostille is attached to your document, making it legally valid in 120+ Hague Convention countries. For non-Hague countries, additional embassy legalization may be needed.

## Apostille Costs Explained

### State Fees

$2–$25

Per document, varies by state

### Federal Fee

$20

FBI background checks & federal docs

### Service Fee

Covers review, submission, return shipping

Start Apostille Order (https://1apostille.com/order)

### Ready to Start?

Skip the complexity — our team handles the entire apostille process for you, from document review to state or federal submission.

Speak with an Expert: 8337258001

## Apostille Guides by Document Type

### Birth Certificate Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/birth-certificate-apostille

### Marriage Certificate Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/marriage-certificate-apostille

### Divorce Decree Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/divorce-decree-apostille

### Death Certificate Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/death-certificate-apostille

### FBI Background Check Apostille

$20 federal apostille fee · 4–8 weeks (federal processing)
https://1apostille.com/documents/fbi-background-check-apostille

### Diploma Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/diploma-apostille

### Transcripts Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/transcripts-apostille

### Power of Attorney Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/power-of-attorney-apostille

### Corporate Documents Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/corporate-documents-apostille

### Notarized Document Apostille

$2–$25 per document (state fee varies) · 5–10 business days
https://1apostille.com/documents/notarized-document-apostille

## Common Apostille Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified copy

Sending a state document to the U.S. Department of State (or vice versa)

Using an expired notary commission on notarized documents

Submitting a hospital birth certificate instead of a state-issued certified copy

Not checking destination country requirements for document age or format

Opening sealed FBI background check envelopes before submission

Attempting to apostille a foreign-issued document in the U.S.

Not including all pages of multi-page documents

## State-by-State Coverage

We process apostilles in all 50 states. Each state has its own Secretary of State office with different fees and processing times.

California: https://1apostille.com/coverage/california
New York: https://1apostille.com/coverage/new-york
Texas: https://1apostille.com/coverage/texas
Florida: https://1apostille.com/coverage/florida
Illinois: https://1apostille.com/coverage/illinois

View All 50 States: https://1apostille.com/coverage

## Frequently Asked Questions

What is an apostille?+

An apostille is a government-issued certificate that authenticates a document for international use. It is recognized by 120+ countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille verifies the signature, seal, or stamp on a document, making it legally valid for use in foreign countries without further certification.

How much does an apostille cost?+

State apostille fees range from $2 to $25 per document depending on the state. Federal apostilles (for FBI background checks and other federal documents) cost $20. Our service fee covers document review, submission to the correct authority, and secure return shipping.

How long does it take to get an apostille?+

Most state apostilles take 5–10 business days for standard processing. Expedited processing is available in many states for 1–3 business days with an additional fee. Federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State take 4–8 weeks standard, or 2–3 weeks with expedited service.

What documents can be apostilled?+

Nearly any U.S.-issued document can be apostilled, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, FBI background checks, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, corporate documents, court orders, and any notarized document.

Do I need to go in person to get an apostille?+

No. We handle the entire apostille process remotely for all 50 states and federal documents. You mail your documents to us, and we manage the submission to the appropriate Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.

What's the difference between an apostille and authentication?+

An apostille is used for documents going to Hague Convention member countries (120+ countries). Authentication, also called legalization, is used for non-Hague countries and involves additional steps including embassy or consulate certification. We handle both processes.

## Why Choose 1Apostille

### All 50 States

We process apostilles for every state and federal documents.

### Free Document Review

We check your documents before processing to prevent rejections.

### Fast Processing

Standard and expedited options — same-day rush available.

### Secure & Confidential

Your documents are handled with care and full confidentiality.

## Start Your Apostille Order Today

Let our experienced team handle the complete apostille process — from document review to state or federal submission and secure delivery back to you.

Start Apostille Order: https://1apostille.com/order
Call (833) 725-8001: 8337258001

Documents handled securely and confidentially • Not affiliated with any government agency • Processing times vary by state and document type

Disclaimer: 1Apostille is a private document processing service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office or the U.S. Department of State. Our service fees are separate from government filing fees. Processing times are estimates and may vary based on state office workload and document type. This website does not provide legal advice.

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