Federal apostilles issued by the U.S. Department of State
A federal apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State to authenticate documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your record was issued by a federal agency, only the Department of State can provide the apostille.
Typical documents requiring a federal apostille include FBI background checks, Certificates of Naturalization, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, FDA and USDA certificates, EPA compliance records, and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office documents.
Our service makes the process simple. We review your documents, provide clear instructions, and handle the submission to the U.S. Department of State—saving you time and ensuring your documents are ready for international use without delays.
Have multiple documents from different states? No need to search each state.How do I get an apostille for...
FBI background check
FBI apostille
Do you need a Hague apostille for an FBI background check? Start here...
Obtaining an apostille for an FBI background check is a federal process and cannot be handled at the state level. The U.S. Department of State is the only authority that can issue FBI apostilles.
Whether you have a PDF or hard copy, both formats are accepted. Processing typically takes 2,5 – 3 weeks.
We’ll guide you through each step to ensure your FBI background check is properly prepared and submitted for a federal apostille.
Start your FBI apostille process today with expert help!
To use your FBI background check internationally, follow these steps:
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Obtain Your FBI Report – Get a printed or electronic version from the FBI or an approved Channeler. A PDF file by email is recommended, as it is acceptable for apostilles and can be emailed for processing, saving time and postage.
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Confirm Requirements – Apostille is valid for Hague Convention countries; others may need additional legalization. The majority of the receiving foreign agencies require that the background check has been issued within the last 90 days.
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Use Foreign Documents Express – Expedite processing through a professional service (two and a half weeks). If you have a PDF file, just email it to us or order an FBI apostille online using the form on the right.
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Receive Your Apostille – The apostilled document will be returned for international use.
Order an FBI apostille online:
Get a federal apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State
Send the original FBI background check by mail or email a PDF file along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a federal apostille.
A federal apostille is a separate page attached to the document by a eyelet. It is yellow in color. Federal apostilles bear the raised seal of the U.S. Department of State.
Federal apostille: $175
Processing time: currently 3 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
FREE DOCUMENT EVALUATION
Social Security Administration benefit letters
Social security letter apostille
Do you need a Hague apostille for your social Security Benefit Letter? Start here...
Need to use your Social Security benefits letter abroad? Since these letters are only plain printouts (without signatures or seals), the U.S. Department of State will not apostille them. Local SSA offices also do not issue signed or notarized letters.
The solution is notarization at the state level. Simply email us a copy of your Social Security benefits letter, and we’ll handle the notarization in Washington, D.C., followed by obtaining the apostille from the D.C. Secretary of State.
We also apostille other visa and immigration documents—including FBI background checks, passport copies, and birth certificates—ensuring your full application packet is accepted overseas.
Fast, reliable, and hassle-free—we make sure your Social Security letter and supporting documents are legally recognized abroad.
To use your Social Security Benefit Letter internationally, follow these steps:
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You can get a Social Security benefit verification letter instantly by creating or logging into your personal "my Social Security" account on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. This online method allows you to view, print, and save the letter immediately. If you prefer not to go online, you can also get a letter by contacting the SSA by phone or visiting a local office to speak with a representative.
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Confirm Requirements – Apostille is valid for Hague Convention countries; others may need additional legalization. The majority of the receiving foreign agencies require that the benefit letter is recent.
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Use Foreign Documents Express – Expedite processing through a professional service (one week). Just email the PDF file to us or order an DC apostille online using the form on the right.
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Receive Your Apostille – The apostilled document will be returned for international use.
What does a Social Security Benefit Letter look like?
Get a DC apostille issued by The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (District of Columbia)
Send the original Social Security Benefit Letter mail or email a PDF file along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a DC apostille.
In the District of Columbia, an apostille is a separate page attached to the document by two staples. It is signed by the Secretary of the District of Columbia (facsimile signature) and has the Seal of the District of Columbia.
DC apostille: $225
Processing time: app. 1 - 1,5 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we will issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
Free document evaluation
Want to double check before shipping your document? Email a copy for a free evaluation.
Certificate of Naturalization
How to get an apostille for Certificate of Naturalization?
Your Certificate of Naturalization is a precious document, and should be treated accordingly. DO NOT send the original Certificate of Naturalization to any apostille agency that promises to have your original document apostilled. Obtain a certified ("authenticated") copy, and have it apostilled!
Step 1: Get a certified copy from the USCIS
Certificates of Naturalization cannot be notarized, certified as true copies, and no office at the state level can process these documents for apostilles. Certificates of Naturalization are federal documents and can be apostilled only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC.
Only certified copies issued by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) are eligible for apostilles. Here is what a certified copy looks like:
Make an appointment with your local USCIS office. Contact the USCIS Contact Center at (800) 375-5283.
When you go to your appointment, be sure to bring your original naturalization certificate and a plain copy of it. Also bring one more form of photo identification (e.g. your driver license or passport). A USCIS officer will review the documents and will certify the copy, if the officer can confirm your identity and status as a naturalized citizen. Be sure to ask for a "Certified True Copy". Then you will get a copy eligible for an apostille.
Step 2: Mail the certified copy for a federal apostille
Certificate of Naturalization is a federal document. Therefore it will be apostilled / authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC. Only certified copies of Certificates of Naturalization issued by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) qualify for apostilles or foreign embassy legalization.
Want to double check? Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation.
Get a federal apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State
Send the "authenticated" copy of the Certificate of Naturalization by mail along with the Order Form and we will be happy to assist you with obtaining a federal apostille.
A federal apostille is a separate page attached to the document by a eyelet. It is yellow in color. Federal apostilles bear the raised seal of the U.S. Department of State.
Federal apostille: $175
Processing time: currently 3 weeks + mail
Please complete the Order Form and mail it with your original document(s) to
If you are sending your document(s) from a foreign country, please use FedEx, DHL or TNT, and email the tracking number so that we can watch for your package.
No hidden fees.
Our guarantee: If we are unable to get your documents apostilled or legalized, we issue a 100% refund, we do not keep any service fees.
FREE DOCUMENT EVALUATION
U.S. Residency Certification (Form 6166)
Federal apostilles issued by the U.S. Department of State
A federal apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State to authenticate documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your record was issued by a federal agency, only the Department of State can provide the apostille.
Typical documents requiring a federal apostille include FBI background checks, Certificates of Naturalization, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, FDA and USDA certificates, EPA compliance records, and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office documents.
Our service makes the process simple. We review your documents, provide clear instructions, and handle the submission to the U.S. Department of State—saving you time and ensuring your documents are ready for international use without delays.
Certificate to foreign government, FDA Certificate, USDA Export Certificate, EPA compliance letter, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office record
Other
Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation
