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Federal Apostille Services

Federal apostille service is used for eligible documents issued or certified by a United States federal agency. Common examples include FBI background checks, FDA documents, USPTO documents, IRS Form 6166, and certain federal court or agency documents.

Federal vs state apostille

A state apostille is used for state-issued documents and notarized private documents. A federal apostille is used for documents issued by a federal agency or documents that require federal authentication.

Common federal documents

Federal apostille requests often involve immigration, employment abroad, residency, business registration, foreign tax, study, and visa applications.

  • FBI background checks
  • IRS Form 6166
  • FDA export documents
  • USPTO documents
  • Federal court documents
  • Social Security Administration letters

Why review matters

A federal document may be rejected if it is not the correct version, lacks the proper signature or seal, or should have been processed at the state level first.

Frequently asked questions

Federal Apostille Services refers to the apostille process for this specific document or service need. The correct process depends on the document source, destination country, and whether notarization, certification, translation, or legalization is required.

Some private documents need notarization first, but vital records and many government-issued records usually need certified copies instead. The safest approach is to review the document before notarizing or mailing it.

Many apostille requests can be handled by mail when the document is properly prepared and eligible for the requested destination country.

Make sure the document is the correct version, properly certified or notarized, connected to the correct state or federal authority, and submitted for the correct destination country.

Translation requirements depend on the receiving country and agency. Some want the original document apostilled first, while others may require a notarized translation certification.

No. Apostilles are generally used for Hague countries. Non-Hague countries may require authentication and embassy or consulate legalization instead.

Need help with an apostille or legalization?

Send the document type, issuing state or federal agency, destination country, and deadline. We can help you identify the correct apostille, authentication, notarization, translation, or legalization path.

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Frequently Asked Questions