Apostille Certificate From The Washington DC Office Of The Secretary
An original or certified copy is required. You cannot order a certified copy of your articles and request an Apostille at the same time. You can order by mail or in person, but we recommend mailing. Normal processing takes up to 5 days, plus additional time for mailing, and costs $15 per document. Expedited service is available in person only and should be the same day. Always provide the name of the country needing an Apostille.
You Can Order
By Mail: Cover letter must include the name of the country, payment of the fees, address the documents should be mailed to after processing, and a daytime phone number for possible questions. You must enclose an original or certified copy of the document, and a self-addressed prepaid envelope.
In Person: You can bring in the original document or a certified copy and the applicable fees to the office between 9:00am and 1:00pm, Monday-Friday. In person requests will processed the same day.
Do You Need to Order a Certified Copy at the Same Time or Does the Fee Include a Certified Copy?
A Washington DC certified copy cannot be ordered at the same time because they are processed in different offices. This fee does not include a certified copy.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain an District of Columbia Apostille?
$15 per document for normal processing.
Is Expedited Processing Available?
Yes. Expedited service is available in person only at no additional charge.
Payment Options?
Check, Money Order, Certified and/or Cashier Check. Credit cards accepted in person only. Make check or money order payable to: DC Treasurer.
How Long Does It Take To Get an Apostille Certificate From District of Columbia Secretary of State?
Expedited Counter Service: same day. Normal processing: 3-5 business days, plus additional time for mailing.
How Will the Apostille Certificate Come Back After I Order From the District of Columbia Secretary of State?
It will be mailed by regular mail, unless you request otherwise and provide a pre-addressed prepaid envelope or UPS/Fed Ex airbill envelope. Return service by fax or email is not available.
Contact Info:
Office of the Secretary Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications
441 4th Street NW, Room 810S
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-3117 phone
(202)727-8457 fax
Are You a Non-U.S. Citizen Registering Your International Business in the United States?
The Beneficial Ownership Report (or BOI Report) is a required filing for non-U.S. companies formed outside the U.S. and registered to do business in the U.S. by a non-U.S. citizen. The deadline for existing non-U.S. foreign businesses to file the BOI Report is April 25, 2025. Businesses registered after March 26, 2025 have 30 days from their U.S. registration date to file their Reports.