Reminders:

• Check if an authentication certificate or an apostille is needed.
• Plan ahead. The average processing time for mail-in requests is approximately 12 business days from the date of receipt by the Office of Authentications.
• Review the certification requirements for each of your document(s).

What to include when you request authentications by mail:

• A completed Request of Authentications Service DS-4194 form – specify the document’s country of use in Section 4
• The document(s) requiring authentication services
• Fees
• One self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return of your document (don't include FedEx)

Mail your packet to the following address:

Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA  20166-1206

Note:

• We recommend using trackable mail from USPS. You'll receive an update when your mail has reached our mail distribution center but not our physical office location. 

Hours: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
             Monday through Friday (except federal holidays)

• To schedule an appointment, call 202-485-8000.
• We do not accept walk-in appointments. Appointments are for urgent cases only. 

Criteria for urgent cases:

• Life-or-death situations which include: serious illness, injury, or death of a family member.
• Proof of international travel within 48 hours.

• A completed Request of Authentications Service DS-4194 form – specify the document’s country of use in Section 4
• The document(s) requiring authentication services
• Fees
• Documentation of emergency and proof of international travel

Note:

• Third parties may schedule an appointment but we will only offer the next available appointments to customers submitting their own documents in-person. 

Hours: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
           Monday through Friday (except federal holidays)

Drop-off and pick-up service is for customers who need routine, non-urgent service. 

When you drop off your documents, we will do an initial review and give you a receipt with a pick-up date. The turnaround time is 3 business days. 

Please bring: 

• A completed Request of Authentications Service DS-4194 form – specify the document’s country of use in Section 4
• The document(s) requiring authentication services. Customers are limited to submitting 15 documents per day.
• Fees

To pick up your documents, return between 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. on your pick-up date with your original document receipt. 

• Bring a valid photo ID.
• Credit cards are accepted for pick-up and appointment service only. 
• Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. 

• Checks are acceptable using pick-up, appointment, and mail-in services. 
• Personal or company checks, and money orders must be submitted with mail-in document(s).
  • Temporary, starter and fill-in bank counter checks under 100 and below are not acceptable. Checks can not be dated for more than six months.
• Checks and money orders are payable to the U.S. Department of State.
  • Name and address must be pre-printed on check without changes.    
• You must pay a $25 fee if your check is returned for nonsufficient funds.

• Cash is acceptable only for pick-up and appointment service.
• The exact amount is required. No change is provided.
• Please do not send cash in the mail.