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Get in Touch for Expedited FBI Apostille Processing – $99 Service

We are here to assist you with your Federal and State Apostille needs

Have questions or ready to begin your document  authentication request?


Fill out the form below, and our team will contact you within 24 hours to guide you through the next steps.

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    Office Address

    We are conveniently located in the Washington D.C. area, and well positioned next to the government agencies and embassies to swiftly process your local and international documents.

    Mail your documents to:

    Elite Documents

    1530 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650. 

    Arlington, Virginia 22209

     Apostille Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. What is an Apostille, and what’s the difference between a Federal and State Apostille?

    An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a U.S. document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

    • A Federal Apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State for federal documents, such as FBI background checks, FDA certificates, U.S. Patent and Trademark documents, and documents from other federal agencies.

    • A State Apostille is issued by the Secretary of State where the document originated. This applies to birth, marriage, and death certificates, court records, corporate filings, and school diplomas or transcripts.

    Both types of apostilles serve the same purpose — to make your U.S. documents legally valid for use abroad — but they come from different authorities depending on the source of the document.

    2. When do I need an Apostille Certificate?

    You need an Apostille Certificate when you plan to use your U.S. documents in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the document’s signature and seal so it’s legally recognized abroad.

    Common reasons include:

    • Applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship (for example, Spain, Portugal, or Italy)

    • Employment or study abroad

    • Marriage or birth registration in another country

    • Business formation or corporate filings overseas

    • Submitting documents for foreign court proceedings or adoption cases

    If the country where your documents will be used is not part of the Hague Convention, you’ll need embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille.

    3. How do I get an Apostille Certificate ?

    The process depends on the type of document and where it was issued:

    • For Federal Documents (such as FBI background checks, FDA certificates, or Patent and Trademark documents):
      The apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
      You can mail your documents directly or use a trusted facilitator like Elite Documents for expedited hand-delivery service — processing typically takes 9–11 business days.
      Rates start at $99 per document.

    • For State Documents (like birth, marriage, death certificates, diplomas, or court documents):
      The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued.
      Timelines vary by state, usually 5–15 business days.
      Rates start at $125 per document.

    Elite Documents provides complete assistance for both State and Federal Apostilles,

    4. How long does the Apostille Certificate process take?

    Processing times depend on whether your documents are federal or state-issued:

    • Federal Apostilles (for FBI background checks, National Archives, FDA, IRS, or Patent documents):
      Processing typically takes 9–10 business days when hand-delivered to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

    • State Apostilles (for birth, marriage, death certificates, diplomas, or other state-issued documents):
      Standard processing time is about 3–4 weeks, depending on the state’s current turnaround time.
      Rush service is available in certain states for an additional fee.

    5.How much does the apostille certificate cost?

    At Elite Documents, the Federal Apostille rate is $99 per document.
    Optional shipping:

    • FedEx 2-Day (Domestic): $15

    • DHL (International): $57–$65, depending on the destination.

    6. Can you use the PDF version of my FBI report?

    Yes. You can securely email us your document, and we’ll print and submit the hard copy to the U.S. Department of State for federal apostille processing.

    If you only have a hard copy, please mail it directly to our office:


    Elite Documents
    Attn: Fabiola Mendoza
    1530 Wilson Blvd, Suite 650
    Arlington, VA 22209.

    7. Does the FBI report need to be notarized before apostille?

    No. FBI background checks do not require notarization before the federal apostille process. They are official federal documents and can be apostilled directly by the U.S. Department of State.

    8. How will I receive my apostilled document?

    You can choose:

    • Scan copy only (no shipping)

    • FedEx 2-Day (domestic)

    • DHL (international shipping)

    9. What’s the difference between a State and a Federal Apostille?
    • Federal Apostille: For documents issued by a U.S. federal agency such as the FBI, USCIS, or U.S. Department of Justice.

    • State Apostille: For documents issued by a state or local authority, such as birth, marriage, or death certificates, court records, or diplomas.

    Yes — Elite Documents can assist with both Federal and State Apostilles, ensuring your documents are properly authenticated for international use.