Tennessee Apostille Service

Tennessee apostilles are issued by the Business Services Division of the Tennessee Secretary of State in Nashville. The state fee is $2 per document. Walk-in requests are completed the same day if you arrive by 2 p.m. Central.

Issuing officeTennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Where to send312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243 (walk-in: 3rd Floor)
State fee$2 per document
Mail processingThe state does not publish a mail processing time
In personSame day if you arrive by 2 p.m. Central
How to submitBy mail, courier or walk-in, with Form SS-4504
Our service fee$195 per document, plus the state fee

Fees checked October 2026 against the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division.

Apostille Request Form


How long does an apostille take in Tennessee?

Mail requests: the state does not publish a mail processing time. In-person requests: same day if you arrive by 2 p.m. Central.

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee apostille cost?

The state fee is $2 per document, charged by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services 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 Tennessee: step by step

  1. For notarized documents, have the notary signature certified by the County Clerk first.
  2. Complete Form SS-4504, Apostille or Authentication Request Form.
  3. Mail to 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, or walk in on the 3rd Floor.

What to watch for with Tennessee documents

  • The County Clerk step is mandatory for notarized documents.

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 Tennessee apostille

You can file a Tennessee apostille yourself with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services 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 Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division in Nashville 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 Tennessee state fee ($2 per document). 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

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 Tennessee 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

Tennessee apostille FAQ

How much does a Tennessee apostille cost?

The state fee is $2 per document, charged by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Our service fee is $195 per document, plus the state fee.

How long does a Tennessee apostille take?

Mail requests: the state does not publish a mail processing time. In-person requests: same day if you arrive by 2 p.m. Central.

Where do I get a Tennessee apostille?

Tennessee apostilles are issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division in Nashville.

Can Tennessee 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 Tennessee document if I live outside Tennessee?

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

Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Last checked October 2026.