Apostille a document
State documents get the apostille from the issuing state; federal documents from the Department of State.
What you need
- Original or certified copy with original seals and signatures and an issue date
- Federal documents: Form DS-4194 and the fee
- State documents: the request form of that state's Secretary of State
Step by step
- Check who signed the document: a state official or a federal official
- State documents (birth, marriage, notarized): request it from the Secretary of State of the state that issued them
- Federal documents (e.g., FBI results): mail Form DS-4194 with the fee to the Office of Authentications
- For countries outside the Hague Convention, ask for an authentication certificate instead
Where to apply
Department of State: apostille requirements · travel.state.gov
California Secretary of State: request an apostille · sos.ca.gov
Tips to get it right the first time
- Don't notarize a federal document: it will no longer be valid for the apostille.
- If the destination country requires a translation, have it done by a professional and notarized.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: travel.state.gov. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.