FEDERAL APOSTILLE SERVICES
Federal Apostille Service Without the Confusion
Professional preparation, courier-submission coordination, tracking and secure return service for qualifying federal documents being used outside the United States.
Domestic return shipping is included. International shipping and other third-party charges are additional.
Processing times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed. Completion depends on document eligibility, U.S. Department of State processing, federal-office schedules, courier availability and shipping conditions.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CERTIFICATE
What Does a Federal Apostille Do?
A federal apostille helps a qualifying U.S. federal document be recognized for official use in another country.
The certificate authenticates the signature, official capacity and seal connected to an eligible federal document. It does not certify that every statement inside the underlying document is true.
The country where the document will be used determines whether you need an apostille certificate, an authentication certificate or additional embassy or consulate legalization.
Confirm the Issuer
Determine whether the document was issued by a federal agency, state authority or another organization.
Confirm the Country
Identify the country where the document will be presented and ask the receiving authority what it requires.
Confirm the Document
Make sure you have the required original or certified copy with the necessary signature, title, seal and issue date.
COMMON FEDERAL DOCUMENTS
Documents That May Qualify
Eligibility depends on the issuing agency, original signature, seal, document format and destination-country requirements.
FBI Background Checks
Qualifying FBI Identity History Summary documents for international use.
Federal Court Records
Qualifying federal court documents after any required preliminary authentication.
Social Security Letters
Qualifying records issued by the Social Security Administration.
Federal Agency Records
Qualifying documents issued by agencies such as the FDA, USDA, IRS or USPTO.
Naturalization Records
Properly certified copies prepared according to applicable federal procedures.
Other Federal Records
Additional federally issued documents may qualify after careful review.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT PROCESS
Federal Apostille or State Apostille?
The issuing authority determines where the document must be processed.
FEDERALLY ISSUED DOCUMENTS
Federal Apostille
Qualifying federal documents are processed through the appropriate federal authentication procedure.
- FBI background checks
- Federal agency documents
- Federal court records
- Social Security letters
- Other qualifying federal records
STATE-ISSUED DOCUMENTS
State Apostille
State documents generally require an apostille from the state that issued or properly notarized the document.
- Birth and death certificates
- Marriage and divorce records
- State court records
- Diplomas and transcripts
- State-notarized documents
A CLEAR FEDERAL PROCESS
How Federal Apostille Service Works
Send Your Document Information
Provide the document type, issuing agency, destination country, deadline and number of documents.
Review and Preparation
Kerrie reviews the information provided and organizes the applicable federal submission materials.
Courier Submission
The prepared request is coordinated for delivery to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.
Tracking and Secure Return
After government processing, completed documents are collected and returned using the agreed shipping method.
FEDERAL APOSTILLE PRICING
Professional Preparation and Submission Coordination
One service package covering preparation, courier coordination, tracking and domestic return shipping.
Your Service Includes
- Initial document-information review
- Preparation of applicable submission materials
- DS-4194 form preparation
- Courier delivery and collection coordination
- Status communication
- Domestic return shipping
- $75 for each additional document
The service timeframe is an estimate—not a guarantee. It may change because of federal processing, office closures, document issues, courier availability or shipping conditions.
PERSONAL FEDERAL APOSTILLE GUIDANCE
Hi, I’m Kerrie L. Smith.
Federal apostille requests are often connected to immigration, international employment, citizenship, adoption, travel or another important deadline.
When you work with Signature Move Notary Services, you communicate directly with me. I review the information you provide, prepare the submission materials, coordinate courier handling and keep you informed about the return of your documents.
My professional background includes more than 16 years of criminal-justice and corrections experience, including specialized federal training. That experience shaped my commitment to preparation, confidentiality and careful document handling.
“Your documents are connected to something important. I treat them that way.”
COMMON QUESTIONS
Federal Apostille FAQs
Click any question to display the answer.
What information should I provide first?
Provide the document type, issuing agency, destination country, deadline, number of documents and whether you have the original or a certified copy.
What is the difference between an apostille and authentication certificate?
An apostille is generally used for a destination participating in the Hague Apostille Convention. A non-Hague destination may require an authentication certificate and additional embassy or consulate legalization.
Can Indiana issue an apostille for my FBI background check?
No. An FBI background check is a federal document and generally must follow the federal authentication process.
Does the FBI provide the final apostille?
No. The FBI provides an authenticated Identity History Summary. When an apostille is required, the qualifying FBI document is then submitted through the U.S. Department of State process.
Do I need fingerprinting before requesting an FBI background check?
Fingerprint submission is generally part of obtaining an FBI Identity History Summary. Requirements depend on how the FBI request is submitted.
How much does your federal apostille service cost?
The service is $275 for the first qualifying document and $75 for each additional document. International shipping and certain government or third-party services cost extra.
How long does your federal apostille service take?
The estimated timeframe is 10–14 business days after qualifying documents, payment and required information are received. This is an estimate and cannot be guaranteed.
Is domestic return shipping included?
Yes. Standard domestic return shipping is included in the listed service price. International shipping and special shipping requests cost extra.
Can you guarantee the completion date?
No. Federal processing is controlled by the U.S. Department of State. Office schedules, document issues, courier availability and shipping conditions may affect completion.
Can every federally issued document receive an apostille?
No. Eligibility depends on the issuing agency, signatures, seals, format, destination country and applicable federal requirements.
Should I notarize my original federal document?
Do not notarize an original federal document unless official instructions specifically require it. Improper notarization may invalidate the document for federal authentication.
Does a federal apostille guarantee acceptance overseas?
No. The receiving authority or destination country determines its document requirements and final acceptance.
READY TO BEGIN?
Start With Your Federal Document Details
Gather the following information before contacting Kerrie so the correct process can be identified.
Document typeWhat federal document do you have?
Issuing agencyWhich federal department or agency issued it?
DestinationIn which country will the document be used?
Deadline and quantityWhen is it needed and how many documents are involved?
