How long an apostille takes depends on two things: which office issues it, and how long it takes you to get the document ready. A state apostille can be done the same day or take a few weeks. A federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State, such as for an FBI background check, takes about five weeks by mail. This guide breaks down each stage so you can plan around your deadline.
The three stages of the timeline
- Getting the document ready: ordering certified copies, notarizing, or requesting an FBI report
- Apostille processing by the state or the U.S. Department of State
- Delivery and translation: return shipping and any certified translation
Most delays happen in stage 1 or because a document is rejected and has to be filed again.
Stage 1: Preparing the document
| Document | What to get | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, marriage, death certificates | Certified copy from state or county vital records | A few days to several weeks, depending on the office |
| Divorce decree, court orders | Certified copy from the court clerk | A few days to two weeks |
| Diplomas and transcripts | Notarized or certified copies from the registrar | A few days to a few weeks |
| Powers of attorney, affidavits | Signature before a notary | Same day |
| FBI background check | Identity History Summary from the FBI | About 48 hours with electronic fingerprints at a participating Post Office, or up to about 15 days plus mailing by mail |
Stage 2: Apostille processing times
State apostilles
Each state sets its own timeline. Some examples from official sources:
- Virginia: mailed requests take 7 to 10 business days; drop-box and courier submissions 5 to 7 business days; most appointments are processed the same day (source)
- California: same-day service is available in person at its Sacramento and Los Angeles offices; mail requests are processed in the order received (source)
- Washington: offers an expedite option for an extra $100 per 10 documents (source)
Our state apostille guides list the details for each state.
Federal apostilles
The U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications handles FBI checks and other federal documents. It says mail-in requests take about five weeks from the day they arrive, drop-off appointments about seven business days, and emergency appointments are same-day for urgent cases (source). See our FBI apostille processing time guide for a full breakdown.
Stage 3: Delivery and translation
Add return shipping time, and international shipping if the documents go straight abroad. If you need a certified translation, allow time for it after the apostille; see whether to translate before or after the apostille.
Typical total timelines
| Scenario | Realistic total |
|---|---|
| Oregon document, filed in person | Same day to a few days |
| State document filed by mail | One to several weeks, depending on the state |
| FBI background check, regular federal processing | Five weeks or more |
| FBI background check, our expedited service | About 10 business days |
| Non-Hague country with embassy legalization | Several weeks or more |
How to speed things up
- Order fresh certified copies early, before you need the apostille.
- Use electronic fingerprints for FBI checks.
- Double-check notarizations: missing seals and dates are a common cause of rejection.
- Use same-day state service where available. Apostille Authentications offers same-day service for Oregon, Washington, Texas and Virginia documents at our standard $195 fee, depending on when we receive them.
- For FBI checks, consider expedited service at $390. See our pricing page.
Our list of common apostille mistakes explains what causes most delays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get an apostille?
For state documents, an in-person or same-day service in the issuing state. For federal documents, an expedited service or a U.S. Department of State appointment.
Why does an FBI apostille take longer than a state apostille?
FBI reports are federal documents, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille them, and its mail processing takes about five weeks.
Can I track my apostille?
Many state offices and services provide tracking for mailed documents. Ask your service for tracking numbers both ways.
What happens if my document is rejected?
The office returns it with a reason. You fix the issue, such as a missing notary seal, and file again, which restarts the timeline.
Plan your timeline
Contact us with your documents, destination country and deadline, and we will tell you the fastest realistic route.
Related guides: How to Prepare Documents for Apostille Certification: A Complete Guide for International Travel · 10 Critical Apostille Mistakes That Can Delay Your Document Processing