Quick answer: an apostille costs the government fee plus any service fee. Most U.S. states charge between $10 and $20 per apostille. Our service fee starts at $195 for the first document and $65 for each additional document, plus the state fee. An FBI background check apostille is $195, or $390 expedited.
Apostille Service Pricing in 2026
| Service | Our fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| State apostille | From $195; additional documents $65 each, plus the state fee | About 10 business days, depending on state delays |
| FBI background check apostille | $195 | 5+ weeks (regular U.S. Department of State processing) |
| Expedited FBI apostille | $390 | 10 business days |
Notary and translation fees are separate. See our full apostille pricing or request a quote.
State Apostille Fees
The state fee is charged by the Secretary of State that issues the apostille. It is paid per document. Examples from states we file in regularly:
| State | State fee per apostille |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $10 |
| Virginia | $10 |
| Washington | $15 |
| Texas | $15 |
| California | $20 |
State fees change from time to time, so confirm the current fee with the state before you file on your own.
FBI and Federal Document Costs
Federal documents, including FBI background checks, are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. rather than by a state. Regular processing takes 5+ weeks. Our expedited FBI apostille takes 10 business days and costs $390.
What Changes the Price
- Number of documents: each document needs its own apostille and its own state fee.
- Document type: some documents need a new certified copy or notarization before the state will accept them.
- Destination country: countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention need embassy legalization, which adds embassy fees and time. Check the list of apostille countries.
- Speed: expedited handling costs more than regular processing.
- Translation and shipping: certified translation and international return shipping are extra.
Doing It Yourself vs Using a Service
Filing directly with the state is the cheapest route: you pay the state fee and postage. The trade-off is that you prepare the document, the request form and the payment yourself, and a rejected filing means starting again. A service costs more but reviews the document first, files it with the correct authority and returns it to you or your recipient overseas. See all of our apostille services.
Apostille Cost FAQ
How much does an apostille cost?
An apostille has two costs: the government fee and, if you use one, a service fee. State fees are usually between $10 and $20 per document. Our service fee starts at $195 for the first document and $65 for each additional document, plus the state fee.
How much does an FBI apostille cost?
Our FBI background check apostille is $195 with regular processing of 5+ weeks, or $390 expedited in 10 business days.
Is it cheaper to get an apostille myself?
Yes. Filing directly with the state costs only the state fee plus postage. A service costs more but handles document review, filing and return shipping, which helps avoid rejections and repeat fees.
Why do apostille prices differ between states?
Each Secretary of State sets its own fee and its own rules for which documents it will accept, so the government fee and the preparation work both vary by state.
Are notary and translation fees included?
No. Notarization and certified translation are separate services and are quoted separately when a document needs them.
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