If you need to submit a federal document—such as an FBI background check, IRS letter, or FDA certificate—to a foreign country, it must be authenticated for international use. In countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, this is done through a process called an apostille, and for federal documents, that means working with the Apostille State Department.

At Rais Apostille, we make it easy to obtain a State Department apostille for federal documents. Our team handles the entire process—from document review to submission and delivery—so you don’t have to deal with confusing forms, long processing times, or missed steps.

What Is a State Department Apostille?

An apostille from the U.S. Department of State is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a federal document. It confirms that the document was signed by an official of a U.S. federal agency and that the signature or seal is valid.

Once apostilled, the document is legally recognized in any of the 120+ countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention—without needing further authentication from a foreign embassy or consulate.

When Do You Need an Apostille from the State Department?

You need a U.S. State Department apostille when:

• The document was issued by a federal agency (not a state or local government)

• You are submitting it to a foreign country that is part of the Hague Convention

• The destination country requires proof of authenticity for official documents

This is common in situations involving:

• International employment or immigration

• Overseas adoptions or marriages

• Foreign business operations or patent filings

• Visa applications or residency permits

• Educational or professional licensing abroad

Documents That Require a U.S. Department of State Apostille

Common federal documents include:

• FBI background checks

• IRS Form 6166 (residency certification)

• FDA export certificates

• USDA animal and plant inspection forms

• USPTO patent or trademark certificates

• Federal court documents

• USCIS-issued naturalization documents (certified copies)

• Social Security Administration letters

Each document must be an original or certified copy bearing a federal official’s signature and seal. Rais Apostille reviews every submission to confirm eligibility before processing.

Apostille vs. Authentication

It’s important to distinguish between apostille and authentication:

If your document is going to a non-Hague country (such as China, UAE, or Egypt), you’ll need authentication + embassy legalization instead. Rais Apostille handles both services and can advise you based on your destination country.

Apostille State Department Process: How It Works

Here’s how Rais Apostille makes getting a State Department apostille simple and efficient:

Step 1: Free Document Review

We start by verifying that your federal document is eligible for apostille. If the document is not certified properly, we’ll guide you in obtaining a valid version.

Step 2: Submission to U.S. Department of State

We submit your document to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., along with the required forms and fees.

Step 3: Apostille Issuance

Once processed, the State Department attaches an apostille certificate to your document, confirming its legitimacy for international use.

Step 4: Return Delivery

We return your apostilled document via secure, trackable courier to your U.S. or international address.

How Long Does a State Department Apostille Take?

Processing times vary based on demand and government workload:

• Standard Service: 10–15 business days

• Expedited Service: 3–7 business days (in limited cases with priority handling)

At Rais Apostille, we keep track of current timelines and offer the fastest processing available—often reducing delays by pre-validating documents and handling all paperwork on your behalf.

Apostille for FBI Background Checks

A common request we receive is apostilling FBI background checks, which are used for:

• Immigration to Europe, Asia, or Latin America

• Employment abroad

• Marriage or residency overseas

• Adoption procedures

We assist with:

• Obtaining the background check from the FBI or channeler

• Printing, notarizing (if needed), and preparing the document

• Submitting to the U.S. Department of State for apostille

• Returning it via secure courier, ready for international use

Apostille for Business Documents

Many companies need to submit U.S. federal documents overseas, including:

• IRS letters (Form 6166) for tax treaty benefits

• FDA certificates for product registration abroad

• USPTO documents for patent enforcement in foreign jurisdictions

• USDA forms for agricultural exports

We handle bulk apostille processing for law firms, corporations, and logistics companies, including translation, notarization, and embassy legalization if required.

Apostille State Department for Hague Convention Countries

Once apostilled, your federal document is valid in any of the following Hague Convention countries, including:

• Spain

• Germany

• France

• India

• Italy

• Mexico

• Portugal

• Colombia

• Australia

• Netherlands

If your destination country is not a member, Rais Apostille can help you through the authentication and embassy legalization process instead.

Certified Translation for Federal Documents

If your apostilled document is being submitted to a country where English is not the official language, it may need a certified translation.

Rais Apostille provides:

• Translations into 100+ languages

• Certified and notarized translations

• Translation + apostille bundled services

• Rush translation (1–2 business days)

This ensures your document is both linguistically and legally valid for submission abroad.

Why Choose Rais Apostille?

✅ Federal Document Expertise

We understand the strict criteria required for federal apostilles and stay up to date with changes from the U.S. Department of State.

✅ End-to-End Management

From document review to return delivery, we manage every step to ensure speed, security, and compliance.

✅ Nationwide and International Clients

You can use our services from anywhere in the U.S. or globally. Just ship your documents to us—we handle the rest.

✅ Clear, Transparent Pricing

We provide upfront quotes with no hidden fees and tailored service levels for individuals, law firms, and corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a State Department apostille on my own?

Yes, but the process involves paperwork, strict formatting, and long wait times. Rais Apostille helps you avoid mistakes and speeds up the process.

2. Can I apostille a photocopy of a federal document?

No. You must submit an original or certified copy bearing the appropriate agency seal and official signature.

3. How much does a State Department apostille cost?

Costs vary based on document type, number of pages, and processing speed. Contact us for a custom quote.

4. Can I send documents to you from overseas?

Yes. If the documents were issued in the U.S., you can ship them to Rais Apostille from anywhere. We process them in Washington, D.C., and return them to your international address.

5. What if my document is for a non-Hague country?

We handle authentication + consular legalization for countries that are not part of the Hague Convention.

Start Your Apostille State Department Process Today

If you’re preparing to submit federal documents abroad—whether for personal, legal, or business purposes—Rais Apostille is your trusted partner for fast, secure apostille processing.

We handle all interactions with the U.S. Department of State, ensure your documents meet all requirements, and get them back to you without delay.

Contact Rais Apostille today to start your Apostille State Department request and avoid the delays and frustration of doing it alone.