Quick answer: document authentication costs depend on where the document is going. For countries in the Hague Apostille Convention you pay one state or federal apostille fee, usually $10 to $20 per document. For other countries you also pay for U.S. Department of State authentication and the embassy’s own legalization fee. Our service fee starts at $195.
The Two Routes and What Each Costs
Apostille (Hague Convention countries)
One certificate from the Secretary of State, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. This is the cheaper and faster route. Check whether your destination is on the list of apostille countries.
Authentication and embassy legalization (other countries)
The document is certified by the state, authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, and then legalized by the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Each step has its own fee, and each embassy sets its own price, so this route costs more and takes longer.
Government Fees
State fees are charged per document. Examples from states we file in regularly:
| State | State fee per apostille |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $10 |
| Virginia | $10 |
| Washington | $15 |
| Texas | $15 |
| California | $20 |
Government and embassy fees change, so confirm the current amount before you file on your own.
Our Service Fees 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 |
Embassy legalization is quoted by country. Notary and translation fees are separate. See our full apostille pricing or request a quote.
Other Costs to Plan For
- Certified copies: vital records often need a new certified copy from the issuing office.
- Notarization: private documents such as powers of attorney must be notarized first.
- Certified translation: required by some countries.
- Shipping: tracked return shipping, especially international.
- Speed: expedited handling costs more. Our expedited FBI apostille is $390 and takes 10 business days.
See all of our apostille services for the documents we handle.
Document Authentication Cost FAQ
How much does document authentication cost?
It depends on the route. A state apostille usually costs $10 to $20 in government fees per document. Documents for countries outside the Hague Convention also need U.S. Department of State authentication and embassy legalization, and each embassy sets its own fee.
What is the difference between an apostille and authentication?
An apostille is a single certificate accepted by countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. Authentication followed by embassy legalization is the longer process used for countries that are not in the Convention.
How much does your authentication service cost?
Our fee for a state apostille starts at $195 for the first document and $65 for each additional document, plus the state fee. Embassy legalization is quoted by country because embassy fees differ.
Do embassy fees vary?
Yes. Each embassy or consulate sets its own legalization fee and accepted payment methods, and commercial documents often cost more than personal ones.
How long does authentication take?
A state apostille takes about 10 business days, depending on state delays. Embassy legalization takes longer because the document passes through more than one office.
Related guides: Complete Guide to Getting Documents Apostilled: Requirements, Process & Timeline · Apostille Service Costs: A Complete Guide to Authentication Fees and Expenses in 2024