About the Office of Authentications

We issue both apostilles and authentication certificates. The country in which you will use the document determines the type of certificate you need:

  • An apostille is for documents you use in countries in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.
  • Authentication certificates are for documents you use in countries not in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

To request authentications service, follow these steps:

Services We Offer: Consider your travel date and our processing times when requesting services. 

  • Traveling in 3+ weeks: Send your request by mail. We will process it within three weeks from the date we receive it. 
  • Traveling in less than 48 hours: You must make an appointment and show proof of urgent travel. We will process your request on the same day as your appointment.
  • Traveling in 2 to 3 weeks: Make an appointment or walk-in to drop off your request. We will process the request in seven business days.

Fees: You must pay $20 for each document request to our office. Pay your fees to the U.S. Department of State. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order. If you are requesting services in person, pay with a credit or debit card when you submit your request.  

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

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays (closed federal holidays)

Walk-ins: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays 

Appointments: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays

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

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Last Updated: October 1, 2024