Having Trouble Getting Your Federal Apostille? We Can Help!
Getting a federal apostille can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating—especially if you’re trying to handle the process alone. Whether you’re preparing documents for international employment, immigration, adoption, dual citizenship, or global business transactions, dealing with the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies can feel overwhelming.
At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in assisting clients just like you with fast, professional, and secure federal apostille services. Book your appointment now to get started.
What Is a Federal Apostille?
A federal apostille is an official certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State that authenticates the signature on a document for use in Hague Apostille Convention member countries. It ensures the validity of U.S. federal documents abroad.
Unlike state apostilles, which are processed by secretaries of state for local and state documents, federal apostilles must go through national-level agencies.
Documents That Require a Federal Apostille
- FBI Background Checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Naturalization Certificates (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- IRS Forms and Federal Tax Records (IRS Tax Transcripts)
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Documents (USPTO Patent Services)
- Social Security Administration Verifications (Social Security Benefit Letters)
- Federal Court Records (U.S. Courts)
- Military Records (DD-214) (National Archives Military Records)
- FDA Export Certificates (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
- Power of Attorney for Use Abroad (American Bar Association)
Why Is It So Hard to Get a Federal Apostille on Your Own?
1. Confusing Submission Guidelines
Each agency has its own rules, formats, and notarization requirements.
2. Long Processing Times
The U.S. Department of State often takes 3 to 6 weeks or more to process requests.
3. Mistakes Mean Delays
Incorrect forms, missing signatures, or misfiled paperwork can set you back weeks.
4. Limited Support from Government Agencies
Many federal offices do not provide detailed guidance, status updates, or urgent processing unless you’re using an authorized service provider.
How We Make It Easy
At Orange County Apostille, we:
- Submit your documents directly to our D.C. office
- Ensure all requirements are met for your specific document type
- Track your documents throughout the entire process
- Return apostilled documents via FedEx, UPS, or DHL for fast, secure delivery
Most federal apostilles are returned within 2 weeks.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Federal Apostille With Our Help
Step 1: Contact Us or Book Online
Visit orangecountyapostille.org to schedule your appointment.
Step 2: Send or Drop Off Your Documents
You can bring your documents to our office or ship them using USPS Priority Mail.
Step 3: We Handle the Rest
Our team will:
- Review for completeness
- Prepare and submit your documents
- Provide tracking and updates
FAQs About Federal Apostilles
Q: Can I notarize and apostille a digital copy?
A: No. Apostilles must be issued on original or certified documents. Electronic copies are not accepted.
Q: What if my country isn’t part of the Hague Convention?
A: You’ll need embassy or consular legalization. We also provide these services.
- Check eligibility at the Embassy World Database.
Q: Are translations required?
A: Yes, if your destination country does not speak English. We recommend certified translation services through providers recognized by the American Translators Association.
Don’t Let Delays Derail Your Plans
Whether you’re applying for a job in Europe, marrying abroad, or filing international tax forms, we’re here to help.
Stop struggling with red tape. Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
We’re here to simplify the federal apostille process so you can focus on what really matters.
Hague Apostille Convention – HCCH
U.S. Department of State Apostille Services
California Secretary of State Apostille Unit
FBI Identity History Summary Checks
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Social Security Administration
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
National Archives (Request Military Records)
New York Department of State – Apostille
Texas Secretary of State – Apostilles
Florida Department of State – Apostille
Illinois Secretary of State – Apostille
Washington Secretary of State – Apostille
Arizona Secretary of State – Apostille
Colorado Secretary of State – Apostille
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth – Apostille
North Carolina Secretary of State – Apostille
Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority
Ohio Secretary of State – Apostille
Pennsylvania Department of State – Apostille
Michigan Secretary of State – Apostille
Indiana Secretary of State – Apostille
Oregon Secretary of State – Apostille
Minnesota Secretary of State – Apostille
Wisconsin Secretary of State – Apostille
Nevada Secretary of State – Apostille
Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office – Apostille
Missouri Secretary of State – Apostille
Alabama Secretary of State – Apostille
Louisiana Secretary of State – Apostille
South Carolina Secretary of State – Apostille
Kansas Secretary of State – Apostille
Kentucky Secretary of State – Apostille
Connecticut Secretary of State – Apostille
Maryland Secretary of State – Apostille
Delaware Division of Corporations – Apostille
New Jersey Department of Treasury – Apostille
Rhode Island Department of State – Apostille
Maine Secretary of State – Apostille
Vermont Secretary of State – Apostille
New Hampshire Secretary of State – Apostille
West Virginia Secretary of State – Apostille
Idaho Secretary of State – Apostille
Montana Secretary of State – Apostille
North Dakota Secretary of State – Apostille
South Dakota Secretary of State – Apostille
Nebraska Secretary of State – Apostille
Mississippi Secretary of State – Apostille
Iowa Secretary of State – Apostille
Arkansas Secretary of State – Apostille
New Mexico Secretary of State – Apostille
Alaska Lieutenant Governor – Apostille
Hawaii Department of the Attorney General – Apostille
District of Columbia – Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Government Publishing Office
USA.gov Official Government Portal
GovInfo – U.S. Government Documents
Embassy World – Directory of Embassies
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
U.S. Travel – Passport Requirements