Washington DC, District of Columbia Apostille and Full Legalization Process: Authenticating
The Embassy & Apostille Services handles the authentication of documents for use abroad. They process three primary types of documents:
Apostilles for countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
Foreign Documents for use in non-Hague Convention countries.
Department Head Documents for both Hague and non-Hague Convention countries.
Note that we do not authenticate documents for Guam and Puerto Rico, as these territories do not require authentication. Additionally, FBI records and most federal documents are excluded from the authentication process.
What You Need to Know About Document Authentication:
For documents intended for a Hague Convention member country, We will issue an Apostille, which allows the document to be directly presented in that country. However, for non-Hague Convention countries, a Foreign Certificate will be issued, and the document must then undergo further authentication by the U.S.
Authentication Process:
To authenticate your document, ensure that it has been notarized by a DC notary public or signed by an authorized DC government agency head.
Birth and Death Certificates: These must be original copies issued by the District of Columbia and printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5” x 11”). To obtain these documents, contact the DC Department of Health. If the certificates are from another jurisdiction, they must be authenticated where they were issued.
Marriage Certificates and Divorce Decrees: Must be certified copies issued by the US Superior Court for the District of Columbia with a triple seal. These documents cannot be notarized.
For Hague Convention countries, submit your documents to us for authentication. For non-Hague countries, documents must be sent to the US Authentication Office for further processing.
The authentication fee is $15 per document, payable via check, money order, or major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). No cash payments are accepted. Ensure checks and money orders are made payable to the “DC Treasurer” and are drawn from a U.S. financial institution in U.S. dollars.
Please note that the authentication only verifies the legitimacy of the notary public or department head who signed the document, not the document's content. It is up to the receiving country to accept or reject the information within the document.
Mail-In Authentication Process:
To authenticate your document by mail, follow these steps:
Ensure your document is notarized by a DC notary or is a certified copy from a District of Columbia government agency.
Complete the required form (available online), print it, and enclose a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope.
Send your package to:
Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Suite 8100
Washington, DC 20002
Only checks or money orders are accepted for mail-in services. Ensure funds are drawn in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank or financial institution. Foreign checks or funds from non-U.S. institutions cannot be accepted.
We typically process mail-in requests within 2-3 business days, but actual return times depend on your chosen carrier (US Postal Service or FedEx). If using a different carrier, you may need to schedule pick-up.
In-Person Authentication Process:
We offer in-person authentication services Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. The process is typically quick, and you will be served within 20 minutes if you sign in by 1 PM.
For U.S. citizens abroad, documents can be notarized and authenticated at U.S. Embassies, Consulates, or by commissioned military officers.
