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Authenticate Your Document

About Our Office

Learn what we do and how you can request our services on the About the Office of Authentications page. 

Preparing your Document for an Authentication Certificate

Learn how to prepare your document to be authenticated on our Requirements page. Authentication certificates are for documents you use in countries that are not in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

Preparing your Document for an Apostille Certificate

Learn how to prepare your document for an apostille on our Requirements page. An apostille certificate is for documents you use in countries that are in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

How to Submit Your Request

Learn how to fill out Form DS-4194 and mail your request or make an appointment at the Office of Authentications.

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:

Office of Authentications
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

 

Hours

7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Mondays to Fridays (closed federal holidays)

Walk-ins (drop off and pick up): 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays 

Appointments (life-or-death emergencies only): 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays

We process requests on Fridays but do not take walk-ins or appointments on this day. 

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Contact Us Form

 

 

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