What is a foreign certificate?
A foreign certificate or authentication certificate is a type of authentication issued for documents intended for use in countries that are not part of the Hague Convention. Unlike apostilles, which are recognized by member countries, foreign certificates are used for non-member states.
What does apostille mean in Washington DC?
In Washington, DC, an apostille is a certificate issued by the US Department of State and the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) that verifies the authenticity of a document's signature, seal, or stamp. It allows the document to be legally recognized for international use without further legalization.
Do I need to submit the original FBI results, or can I use a PDF copy?
If you have a PDF directly received from the FBI, you can forward it to us, and we can proceed with printing and apostilling. However, if you have received the original document from the FBI, you must send us the original. A printout of a scan of the original will not suffice for the
FBI Apostille because it does not contain the watermark.
Can the US Department of State apostille an FBI error report?
No, the US Department of State cannot apostille an FBI error report because it lacks a signature. If you need an apostille for an FBI error report, it must first be notarized, and then it can be apostilled from the Secretary of State.
Where do documents issued in Washington DC, go for apostille certification compared to federal documents?
For documents issued in Washington, DC, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, court documents, and certain foreign documents that have been notarized by a DC notary public, they will need to be submitted to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) for apostille certification. Federal documents, on the other hand, are submitted to the US Department of State for apostille certification.
What documents does ONCA not apostille or authenticate?
ONCA does not apostille or authenticate most federal documents, including FBI rap sheets and original passports. Additionally, ONCA cannot authenticate documents for use in Guam or Puerto Rico.
Who issues apostille for federal documents in Washington, DC?
Apostilles for federal documents in Washington, DC are issued by the US Department of State.
What is a triple seal, and why is it important in Washington, DC?
A triple seal in Washington DC refers to the verification of documents by three separate entities: the District of Columbia Notary Public, the DC Office of Vital Records, and the United States Department of State. This rigorous process ensures the authenticity of important documents, such as marriage licenses and divorce decrees, which are crucial for legal and administrative purposes in the capital.
Do federal documents need notarization?
Federal documents typically do not require notarization. Some federal documents, such as FBI background checks or court documents, may already bear the signature of an authorized official and thus do not need additional notarization. However, if a federal document requires notarization for authentication purposes, it must be notarized before it can be apostilled. It's advisable to verify this information with the US Department of State for specific document requirements.
Can I submit apostille requests for federal documents in person at the US Department of State's office in Washington, DC?
No, the US Department of State's Office of Authentications does not accept walk-in requests for apostille services. All
USA apostille requests for federal documents must be submitted by mail.
What are the common reasons for rejection or delay of apostille requests for federal documents, and how can I avoid them?
Common reasons for rejection or delay of apostille requests include incomplete or incorrect documentation, insufficient payment, and discrepancies in the information provided. To avoid these issues, ensure that all required forms are completed accurately, include the appropriate payment, and double-check that the documents meet all requirements for apostille certification.
Are there any specific requirements or forms needed when requesting apostille services for federal documents in Washington, DC?
Yes, when requesting apostille services for federal documents in Washington, DC, you will need to complete the Request for Authentication and Apostille Order Form (Form DS-4194) provided by the US Department of State. Additionally, you must include the original federal document or a certified copy, along with any supporting documentation required for authentication.