Washington Apostille Service
Washington apostilles are issued by the Corporations and Charities Division of the Washington Secretary of State in Tumwater. The state fee is $15 per document. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, expedited takes 2 to 3 business days, and same-day service is available in person.
| Issuing office | Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division |
|---|---|
| Where to send | 243 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 |
| State fee | $15 per document |
| Mail processing | Typically 7 to 10 business days; 2 to 3 business days expedited |
| In person | Same day while you wait, with the state $150 same-day fee |
| How to submit | By mail or in person, with the Apostille Authentication Request form |
| Our service fee | $195 per document, plus the state fee |
Fees checked October 2026 against the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division.
Need a federal document apostilled instead? We handle FBI apostille in Vancouver, WA at our Clark County office.
Apostille Request Form
How long does an apostille take in Washington?
Mail requests: typically 7 to 10 business days; 2 to 3 business days expedited. In-person requests: same day while you wait, with the state $150 same-day fee.
Allow extra time for shipping in both directions. A missing certification or the wrong type of copy sends a document back and restarts the clock, so we check yours before it is submitted.
An FBI background check is federal, not a Washington document. It goes to the U.S. Department of State, where regular processing takes 7 to 8 weeks. We offer an expedited FBI apostille in 10 business days.
How much does a Washington apostille cost?
The state fee is $15 per document, charged by the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. Our service fee is $195 per document, which covers document review, submission to the state and return of your originals. Processing time is 10 business days, depending on state delays. Shipping and translation are quoted separately.
How to get an apostille in Washington: step by step
- Get an original or certified vital record issued by Washington, or a document notarized by a Washington notary.
- Complete the Apostille Authentication Request form.
- Mail or bring it to 243 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.
What to watch for with Washington documents
- The state expedited service adds $100 per 10 documents.
- The state same-day service adds $150, and documents must arrive 30 minutes before closing.
- Public school documents do not need notarization; private school documents do.
Personal documents
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Divorce decrees and judgment
- Naturalization Certificate
- Adoption dossier
- Copy of passport
- Copy of drivers license
- Deeds and wills
- Single status affidavit
- Car or automobile title
- Travel authorization
- State police record
- FBI background record
- No Record Of Marriage
- Apostille Agreement
Corporate documents
- Certificates of incorporation
- Certificates of good standing
- Certificates of origin
- Trademarks/patents
- Business power of attorney
- FDA certificates
- Invoices and free sale certificates
- Department of the Treasury (Form 6166)
- Foreign government certificate CFG
Academic documents
- University/college diploma or transcripts
- High School diplomas or transcripts
- Attendance Certificates
Along with the request form, you’ll need to mail in your original document or certified copy. Make sure to include a self-addressed and stamped return envelope so they can mail your document back once it’s been apostilled. Apostille authentication recommends using tracked mail both ways to ensure safe delivery.
This apostilled document can then be presented along with your original document to authorities overseas as proof that it is valid and came from a genuine source.
How we help with your Washington apostille
You can file a Washington apostille yourself with the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. Many people use us because a rejected document costs more time than the fee.
- We check your document first. Send a photo or scan. We confirm it is the right version, signed by the right official, before anything is submitted.
- We fix what is missing. If your document needs notarizing, a new certified copy, or a county or court certification, we arrange it.
- We submit and collect. We send your documents to the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division in Tumwater and return the apostilled originals by tracked courier, in the US or abroad.
- We handle the federal side too. FBI background checks and other federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state. We do both.
- You can talk to a person. Call (971) 514-3743 or request a video consultation.
Our fee: $195 per document, plus the Washington state fee ($15 per document). 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
For Washington documents our turnaround is 2 days. Our Vancouver office is at 201 NE Park Plaza, Suite 221, Vancouver, WA 98684. You can also mail your documents to us from anywhere, or visit our offices in Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Herndon and Houston.
Do you need a translation?
An apostille confirms the signature on your document. It does not translate it. If the country you are sending it to does not use English, the receiving office will usually ask for a certified translation as well.
We provide certified translation, so your Washington document can be apostilled and translated in one order. Each translation comes with a signed certificate of accuracy.
Order matters. Some countries want the translation done after the apostille so the apostille page is translated too; others have their own translator requirements. Tell us the country and we will confirm the correct order before you pay. Contact us for a translation quote.
Washington apostille FAQ
How much does a Washington apostille cost?
The state fee is $15 per document, charged by the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee.
How long does a Washington apostille take?
Mail requests: typically 7 to 10 business days; 2 to 3 business days expedited. In-person requests: same day while you wait, with the state $150 same-day fee.
Where do I get a Washington apostille?
Washington apostilles are issued by the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division in Tumwater.
Can Washington apostille my FBI background check?
No. FBI background checks are federal and are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. We handle that for $195 with regular processing in 7 to 8 weeks, or $390 expedited in 10 business days.
Do I need an apostille or an authentication?
Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille. Other countries need an authentication followed by embassy legalization. Tell us the country and we will confirm which applies.
Can you apostille a Washington document if I live outside Washington?
Yes. Mail us the document from anywhere in the world and we return it by tracked courier.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. Last checked October 2026.