You must request authentication services by mail. We will process your request in 11 weeks from the date we receive it. 

Reminders:

• Check if an authentication certificate or an apostille is needed.
• Review the certification requirements for each of your document(s).

What to include when you request authentications by mail:

1. Complete Form DS-4194. Indicate the document’s country of use in Section 4
2. The document(s) requiring authentication services
3. Fees. Authentications fees are $20 per document for all services.
4. One self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return of your document. Use USPS or UPS. Please do not use FedEx. 

Fees are payable to the U.S. Department of State, and by check or money order. We cannot accept temporary, starter, or bank fill-in checks. All check numbers must be over 100, and dated within the last six months.   

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 in Sterling, VA but not our physical office location in Washington, DC.