7/20/24, 2:08 PM Office of Authentications

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html 1/3
7/20/24, 2:08 PM Office of Authentications

About the Office of Authentications

We issue both apostilles and authentication certificates.
The country in which you will use the document determines
the type of certificate you need:

An apostille is for documents you use in countries in

the 1961 Hague Convention  Treaty.
Authentication certificates are for documents you
use in countries not in the 1961 Hague Convention
Treaty.

Prepare your document and mail your form

To request authentications service, follow these steps:

Prepare your document and get it notarized

Authentications Certificate Requirements: How
to prepare your document for an authentication
certificate
Apostille Requirements: How to prepare your
document for an apostille
Complete Form DS-4194
Mail your form and documents to us

Processing Times: We will process your request in 4 weeks

from the date we receive it. We are offering mail-in service
only.

Fees: You must pay $20 for each document request to our
office. Pay your fees to the U.S. Department of State, and by
check or money order.

Address and Hours of Operation

Mailing Address: Hours

U.S. Department of State 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,

Office of Authentications Monday-Friday (closed
44132 Mercure Cir. federal holidays)
PO Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206 Status Check?
Contact Us Form

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html 2/3
7/20/24, 2:08 PM Office of Authentications

Last Updated: May 10, 2024

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html 3/3