Federal Document Apostille Checklist

If you need a federal document (FBI background check, IRS residency letter, USDA certificate, USCIS certificate or federal court judgment) to be used in a foreign country, it will most likely need to be authenticated. The process of authenticating a document certifies that the signature is genuine and the person signing is authorized to sign it. It can also verify the identity of the seal or stamp that appears on the document. The type of authentication required depends on the destination country. If the country is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, an apostille will be needed; otherwise, an authentication certificate will be sufficient.

Each state’s apostille federal notarized documents of State office has its own set of requirements for documents to be apostilled. Before starting the apostille process, contact the Secretary of State or Department of State office for the state where you live to determine its specific guidelines and costs.

Apostille Services for FBI Background Checks

Once you know what documents you need to apostille, it is important to prepare them correctly. Make sure the original document is signed and notarized by a notary public. It is also important to include any forms or fees required by the apostille office, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your apostilled document.

Once the apostilled document is received, it should be verified by the embassy or consulate in the country where it will be used. This will ensure that the apostilled document meets their specific apostille and full legalization requirements.