How Long Does It Take to Get the Apostille in the US?

Are you planning to move, study, work, or get married abroad and need to authenticate your U.S. documents? You’re probably wondering - “How long does it take to get an apostille in the U.S.?” or “Is there a faster way to get my apostille processed?”

Apostille in the US  depends on whether your document is federally issued (like an FBI background check or passport record) or state-issued (such as a birth certificate or diploma). Each type follows a different approval channel and timeline. In this blog, we’ll explain how long it takes to get an apostille in the U.S., what affects processing time, and how you can expedite your apostille easily with a trusted apostille service provider like Globeia. 

If your documents are issued by a U.S. federal agency, such as the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, or Social Security Administration, they must receive a federal apostille from the US Department of State in Washington DC.

Federal apostilles are required for documents like:

• FBI background checks
• Passport or immigration records
• Federal tax documents
• Social Security and citizenship letters

Due to the involvement of authorities at the national level, federal apostilles will take longer than a state apostille, generally an estimated 6 to 8 weeks in standard processing time, depending on the agency and office location. If you require faster processing time, using a trusted apostille company, such as Globeia, can help reduce processing time, as well as having less chance of the application being rejected, and without all the delays associated with government processing time.

For documents issued by a state in the U.S. such as a birth certificate, marriage license, educational transcript, or notarized affidavit, the apostille will be issued by that state’s Secretary of State office. 

State-level authentication is much faster - typically, 4 to 14 business days (again this timeframe depends on state workload and type of document) because the documents do not need to be sent for federal authentication.

Typical state-issued documents include:

• Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates)
• Educational documents (transcripts, diplomas, degrees)
• Business documents (contracts, corporate papers, incorporation certificates)
• Notarized documents (affidavits, powers of attorney, personal statements)

Whether you’re submitting documents for immigration, business, or education abroad, Globeia ensures a smooth and secure apostille process , helping you get your federal or state documents authenticated quickly and correctly without the stress of handling government paperwork.

The time it takes to obtain a federal or state apostille in the United States can vary depending on several factors. Understanding these can help you plan ahead and avoid delays.

1. Type of Document

Different documents require different verification steps. While federal-issued documents like FBI background checks may need review by the U.S. Department of State, some state documents, such as notarized affidavits or county-certified records, might require additional certification before apostille submission. Complex documents often result in longer apostille processing times.

2. Accuracy of Your Apostille Application

Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications are one of the most common reasons for delays. Ensure that your apostille request form is fully completed and supported with all required documents. Certain documents may also need extra notarization or certification to confirm authenticity, which can extend processing times.

3. Request Volume and Backlogs

Periods of high volume (e.g., the beginning of the academic year or travel seasons) can contribute to processing delays. Similarly, when the apostille office or agency is short-staffed, your request will take longer than expected. Always take future planning into consideration; you'll find out that using an apostille service like Globeia which has the experience and provides a better situation in the event of the bulk submission of documents and faster turnaround time.

4. Expedited Services

If absolutely necessary, check with your state if they offer expedited apostille processing for an additional fee. This additional procurement can decrease your overall turnaround time to 1-3 business days guaranteeing that your intended processing is timely with an apostille for your urgent visa, immigration, or international business application and needs.

5. Destination Country Regulations

Some countries have additional acceptance rules for documents. Depending on where the documents are going to be used internationally could determine the verification, translation, and embassy legalization needed, or lead to an increase in processing time for acceptance. 

6. Courier and Delivery Time

Even after the apostille is issued, the delivery of original documents, especially for international shipments, can add extra days. Choosing a reliable courier or service provider ensures your documents reach you safely and promptly.