If you’re preparing a federal document—like an FBI background check, IRS letter, or FDA certificate—for international submission, chances are you’ll need an apostille. But not just any apostille—a U.S. Department of State apostille, issued through the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.

At Rais Apostille, we make it easy to obtain an Apostille Department Of State for federally issued documents. Whether you’re applying for a visa, conducting business overseas, or finalizing a legal process abroad, we ensure your documents are authenticated quickly, accurately, and legally.

What Is a Department of State Apostille?

An apostille from the U.S. Department of State is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a federal document so it can be used in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

This apostille confirms that:

• The document was issued by a federal agency

• The signature, seal, or certification is genuine

• It’s legally valid for use internationally

It is different from a state-level apostille, which applies to documents issued by U.S. states, such as birth or marriage certificates.

When Is a Department of State Apostille Required?

You need a U.S. Department of State apostille if:

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

• It will be used in a Hague Convention country

• It must be legally recognized by foreign authorities

Common Use Cases:

• FBI background checks for immigration or employment abroad

• IRS letters for business and tax purposes overseas

• FDA or USDA certificates for international trade

• USCIS records for dual citizenship or residency

• USPTO patent or trademark filings for global intellectual property rights

• Federal court documents for legal matters abroad

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

Personal and Legal Documents:

• FBI background checks (Identity History Summary)

• Certified copies of naturalization certificates

• USCIS (immigration) correspondence

• Social Security Administration verification letters

Business and Commercial Documents:

• IRS Form 6166 (Residency Certification)

• FDA Certificates of Free Sale

• USPTO patent registration documents

• USDA export documents

• Certificates of origin and inspection

These documents must be originals or certified copies issued by a U.S. federal authority to qualify for apostille.

Apostille vs. Authentication

If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll need an authentication certificate instead of an apostille.

Rais Apostille offers both apostille and full legalization services, including embassy handling for non-Hague destinations like China, UAE, Egypt, and Qatar.

How the Department of State Apostille Process Works

Here’s how Rais Apostille handles the entire apostille process for you:

Step 1: Free Document Review

We review your document to ensure it’s eligible for a federal apostille. If necessary, we help you obtain a properly certified copy.

Step 2: Prepare Required Forms

We prepare the DS-4194 form (Authentication Request Form) and ensure all supporting documentation meets U.S. Department of State standards.

Step 3: Submit to the Office of Authentications

We submit your documents to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. for official apostille certification.

Step 4: Receive Apostille Certificate

The office issues an apostille and attaches it to your document, confirming its validity for international use.

Step 5: Return Delivery

We return your apostilled documents to you (or directly to an embassy or third-party recipient) via trackable, secure courier.

Department of State Apostille Timeline

The U.S. Department of State is known for longer processing times compared to state authorities. Estimated timelines:

• Standard Processing: 10–15 business days

• Expedited Processing (where possible): 3–7 business days

Delays are common due to high volume or incomplete submissions. Rais Apostille speeds up the process by eliminating errors and handling all documentation professionally.

Apostille for FBI Background Checks

A top request we receive is for apostilling FBI background checks, which are commonly needed for:

• Foreign employment

• Immigration applications

• Student visas

• International adoptions

• Residency permits abroad

We can help you:

• Obtain your FBI background check electronically

• Submit it for apostille

• Translate and notarize it (if required)

• Ship the completed document internationally

Apostille for Federal Business Documents

For corporations and law firms, we apostille federal documents used for:

• Registering U.S. companies abroad

• Trademark and patent filings

• Import/export documentation

• Tax benefits under international treaties

• Product registration with foreign health or trade authorities

We also assist with certified translations and embassy submission when needed.

Apostille for Hague Convention Countries

The U.S. Department of State apostille is recognized in over 120 countries, including:

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• India

• Spain

• Portugal

• Mexico

• Colombia

• Australia

• South Korea

• Netherlands

For non-Hague countries, Rais Apostille offers authentication and legalization through embassies and consulates.

Translation Services for Federal Documents

Need to submit your apostilled document in a non-English-speaking country? Rais Apostille offers certified translation in 100+ languages:

• Spanish

• French

• Portuguese

• Italian

• German

• Arabic

• Chinese

• Russian

• Japanese

• Korean

We ensure the translation is certified, notarized (if needed), and legally valid in your destination country.

Why Choose Rais Apostille for State Department Apostille Services?

Expert Handling of Federal Documents

We understand what the U.S. Department of State requires and help you avoid common errors that cause delays or rejections.

Nationwide and Global Access

No matter where you’re located, we accept documents from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.

All-in-One Service

From document review and notarization to translation, apostille, and international shipping—we do it all.

Fast Turnaround

We monitor real-time government processing and offer expedited options whenever possible.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, competitive quotes with no hidden fees. Bulk and legal firm pricing available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a U.S. Department of State apostille myself?

Yes, but the process is complex and time-consuming. Rais Apostille manages every step, ensuring accuracy and faster processing.

2. How do I know if my document needs a federal or state apostille?

If it was issued by a federal agency (FBI, IRS, FDA, etc.), it needs a U.S. Department of State apostille. If it’s a state document (birth certificate, marriage license), it requires a state-level apostille.

3. Can I send my documents to you from another country?

Absolutely. We assist many clients who ship their U.S.-issued documents from abroad for apostille processing.

4. What is the DS-4194 form?

It’s the official form required to request authentication or apostille from the U.S. Department of State. Rais Apostille fills it out for you.

5. What if my destination country is not in the Hague Convention?

Then your document needs authentication + embassy legalization. We handle both apostille and non-apostille routes based on your destination.

Start Your Apostille Department of State Process with Rais Apostille

When dealing with federal documents for international use, accuracy and speed are essential. With Rais Apostille, you get a reliable partner who understands the ins and outs of the U.S. Department of State apostille process.

Whether you’re handling legal, personal, or business matters abroad, we simplify the journey and deliver the documents you need—legally validated and on time.