Louisiana Apostille Service

Louisiana apostilles are issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee. For the current state fee and processing time, see the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Issuing officeLouisiana Secretary of State
State feeSet by the state; see the official page
Our service fee$195 per document, plus the state fee

For the current state fee and processing time, see the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Apostille Request Form


How long does an apostille take in Louisiana?

Processing times are set by the Louisiana Secretary of State and change with its workload; its official page lists the current time.

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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana apostille cost?

Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee charged by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Our fee 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 Louisiana: step by step

  1. Confirm the document was issued in Louisiana. Louisiana can only apostille Louisiana documents.
  2. Get the right version: a certified copy of a vital record from the issuing Louisiana office, or an original notarized by a Louisiana notary.
  3. Complete the state apostille request form and name the country where the document will be used.
  4. Submit the document with the state fee to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

What to watch for with Louisiana documents

  • For a Louisiana birth or death record, first get a certified copy from Louisiana Vital Records, then send it to the Secretary of State.
  • Photocopies are generally not accepted.
  • Federal documents, such as an FBI background check, go to the U.S. Department of State, not the state.

Personal documents

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

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 Louisiana apostille

You can file a Louisiana apostille yourself with the Louisiana Secretary of State. 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 Louisiana Secretary of State 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 Louisiana state fee. 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

You can 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 Louisiana 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.

Related apostille services

Louisiana apostille FAQ

How much does a Louisiana apostille cost?

Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee charged by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

How long does a Louisiana apostille take?

Processing times are set by the Louisiana Secretary of State and change with its workload; its official page lists the current time.

Where do I get a Louisiana apostille?

Louisiana apostilles are issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can Louisiana 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 Louisiana document if I live outside Louisiana?

Yes. Mail us the document from anywhere in the world and we return it by tracked courier.

Source: Louisiana Secretary of State.