{"id":5361,"date":"2026-06-20T00:44:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T00:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/federal-apostille\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T14:29:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:29:19","slug":"federal-apostille","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/federal-apostille\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Apostille | U.S. Department of State Authentication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n@import url('https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Fraunces:opsz,wght@9..144,600;9..144,700;9..144,800;9..144,900&family=Inter:wght@400;600;700;800;900&display=swap');\n\n.asf-h {\n\n  --gold:#D4AF37;--gold-rich:#E6BE3F;--gold-light:#F4D77A;--gold-dark:#B8860B;\n\n  --green:#22C55E;--green-dark:#059669;\n\n  --red:#EF4444;--red-light:#FCA5A5;\n\n  --bg-0:#0C0C0C;--bg-1:#090909;--bg-2:#060606;\n\n  --sheen:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% -10%,rgba(212,175,55,.13) 0%,rgba(212,175,55,0) 65%);\n\n  --goldtxt:linear-gradient(110deg,#B8860B 0%,#D4AF37 10%,#F4D77A 26%,#FFF6D0 42%,#F4D77A 50%,#FFF6D0 54%,#F4D77A 60%,#D4AF37 76%,#B8860B 90%,#D4AF37 96%,#B8860B 100%);\n\n  max-width:1100px;margin:80px auto 40px;padding:0 0 40px;\n\n  background:var(--sheen),linear-gradient(180deg,var(--bg-0) 0%,var(--bg-1) 40%,var(--bg-2) 100%);\n\n  border:3px solid var(--gold);border-radius:32px;\n\n  box-shadow:0 42px 110px rgba(0,0,0,.65),0 0 0 1px rgba(212,175,55,.08);\n\n  font-family:'Inter',system-ui,sans-serif;color:#fff;\n\n  box-sizing:border-box;overflow:visible;position:relative;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h *,.asf-h *::before,.asf-h *::after{box-sizing:border-box}\n\n.asf-h a{color:var(--gold-light);text-decoration:none;font-weight:700}\n\n.asf-h a:hover{text-decoration:underline}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 KEYFRAMES \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n@keyframes asf-shine{0%,100%{background-position:0% 50%}50%{background-position:100% 50%}}\n\n@keyframes asf-rule{0%{background-position:-200% 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.route-split{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin:0 16px 32px}\n\n.asf-h .route-card{\n\n  padding:20px;border-radius:18px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.42);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .route-card.federal{border-color:rgba(34,197,94,.5)}\n\n.asf-h .route-card .rt-badge{\n\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;\n\n  font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;\n\n  padding:4px 12px;border-radius:999px;margin-bottom:12px;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .route-card.ca .rt-badge{background:rgba(212,175,55,.12);color:var(--gold-light);border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.3)}\n\n.asf-h .route-card.federal .rt-badge{background:rgba(34,197,94,.1);color:#4ade80;border:1px solid rgba(34,197,94,.3)}\n\n.asf-h .route-card h3{font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin:0 0 8px;line-height:1.3}\n\n.asf-h .route-card p{font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0 0 12px;line-height:1.6}\n\n.asf-h .route-card .rt-docs{font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);line-height:1.7}\n\n.asf-h .route-card .rt-docs strong{color:rgba(255,255,255,.7);font-weight:700}\n\n.asf-h .route-card a.rt-link{\n\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px;margin-top:12px;\n\n  font-size:12px;font-weight:800;color:var(--gold-light);text-decoration:none;\n\n  padding:7px 14px;border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.25);border-radius:8px;\n\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.3);transition:border-color .18s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .route-card.ca a.rt-link{color:var(--gold-light);border-color:rgba(212,175,55,.25)}\n\n.asf-h .route-card a.rt-link:hover{text-decoration:none;border-color:var(--gold)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 DOCUMENT TYPES \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .doc-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:12px;margin:0 16px 32px}\n\n.asf-h .doc-card{\n\n  padding:18px 14px;border-radius:14px;text-align:center;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(34,197,94,.32);\n\n  transition:border-color .25s,box-shadow .25s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .doc-card:hover{border-color:rgba(34,197,94,.55);box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,.4)}\n\n.asf-h .doc-card .dc-em{font-size:24px;margin-bottom:8px;display:block}\n\n.asf-h .doc-card h3{font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin:0 0 6px;line-height:1.3}\n\n.asf-h .doc-card .dc-route{display:inline-block;font-size:10px;font-weight:800;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:999px;letter-spacing:.06em;background:rgba(34,197,94,.08);color:#4ade80;border:1px solid rgba(34,197,94,.2)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 HOW IT WORKS \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .steps-wrap{margin:0 16px 32px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}\n\n.asf-h .step-row{\n\n  display:grid;grid-template-columns:52px 1fr auto;gap:16px;align-items:center;\n\n  padding:18px 20px;border-radius:16px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.32);border-left:3px solid var(--gold-dark);\n\n  transition:border-left-color .25s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .step-row:hover{border-left-color:var(--gold-light)}\n\n.asf-h .step-num{\n\n  width:52px;height:52px;border-radius:50%;flex-shrink:0;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a1a1a,#0a0a0a);border:2px solid rgba(212,175,55,.35);\n\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n\n  font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:var(--gold-light);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .step-body h3{font-size:15px;font-weight:800;color:#fff;margin:0 0 4px}\n\n.asf-h .step-body p{font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;line-height:1.6}\n\n.asf-h .step-time{\n\n  flex-shrink:0;font-size:11px;font-weight:900;color:var(--gold-light);\n\n  background:rgba(212,175,55,.1);border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.25);border-radius:999px;\n\n  padding:5px 12px;white-space:nowrap;text-align:center;\n\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 FAIL CARDS \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .fail-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 16px 32px}\n\n.asf-h .fail-card{\n\n  display:flex;gap:14px;padding:18px 18px;border-radius:16px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(20,10,10,.9),rgba(8,5,5,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(239,68,68,.3);border-left:3px solid var(--red);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .fail-card .fc-x{\n\n  flex-shrink:0;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;\n\n  background:rgba(239,68,68,.12);border:1.5px solid rgba(239,68,68,.4);\n\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:14px;color:var(--red-light);font-weight:900;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .fail-card h3{font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:14.5px;font-weight:800;color:var(--red-light);margin:0 0 5px;line-height:1.3}\n\n.asf-h .fail-card p{font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.62);margin:0;line-height:1.6}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 PRICE STATS \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .price-stats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:14px;margin:0 16px 32px}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card{\n\n  padding:22px 16px;border-radius:18px;text-align:center;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.38);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card.featured{border-color:var(--gold);box-shadow:0 0 24px rgba(212,175,55,.2)}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card .ps-amount{\n\n  font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:50px;font-weight:900;\n\n  background:var(--goldtxt);background-size:260% 100%;\n\n  -webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;\n\n  animation:asf-shine 6s ease-in-out infinite;\n\n  line-height:1;letter-spacing:-.02em;display:inline-block;\n\n  border:2px solid #059669;border-radius:14px;padding:8px 20px;\n\n  box-shadow:0 0 12px 2px rgba(16,185,129,.2);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card .ps-amount .ps-dollar{background:none;-webkit-text-fill-color:#059669;color:#059669}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card .ps-label{font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);margin:8px 0 4px}\n\n.asf-h .ps-card .ps-note{font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.45)}\n\n.asf-h .price-foot{margin:-16px 16px 32px;font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);text-align:center;line-height:1.6}\n\n.asf-h .price-foot strong{color:var(--gold-light)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 FAQ ACCORDION \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .acc-wrap{\n\n  margin:0 16px 32px;border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.38);border-radius:20px;overflow:hidden;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.1);position:relative}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item:last-child{border-bottom:none}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item::before{\n\n  content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:0;bottom:0;width:3px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(212,175,55,0),rgba(212,175,55,.2),rgba(212,175,55,0));transition:background .3s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open]::before{background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(212,175,55,.1),var(--gold),rgba(212,175,55,.1))}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item summary{\n\n  display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;padding:18px 20px 18px 26px;\n\n  cursor:pointer;list-style:none;user-select:none;transition:background .2s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open] summary{background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(212,175,55,.07),rgba(212,175,55,.02))}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item summary:hover{background:rgba(212,175,55,.04)}\n\n.asf-h .acc-num{\n\n  flex-shrink:0;width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:50%;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a1a1a,#0a0a0a);border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.3);\n\n  font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-weight:800;font-size:13px;color:rgba(212,175,55,.65);\n\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:border-color .3s,color .3s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open] .acc-num{border-color:var(--gold);color:var(--gold-light);box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(212,175,55,.25)}\n\n.asf-h .acc-q{flex:1;font-size:14.5px;font-weight:700;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);line-height:1.4;text-align:left}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open] .acc-q{color:#fff}\n\n.asf-h .acc-chevron{\n\n  flex-shrink:0;width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.2);background:rgba(0,0,0,.3);\n\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:transform .3s,border-color .3s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .acc-chevron svg{width:11px;height:11px}\n\n.asf-h .acc-chevron svg path{stroke:rgba(212,175,55,.85);transition:stroke .3s}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open] .acc-chevron{transform:rotate(180deg);border-color:var(--gold);background:rgba(212,175,55,.1)}\n\n.asf-h details.acc-item[open] .acc-chevron svg path{stroke:var(--gold-light)}\n\n.asf-h .acc-body{padding:0 24px 20px 70px;animation:asf-fade-up .22s ease-out}\n\n.asf-h .acc-body p{margin:0;font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.78);line-height:1.72}\n\n.asf-h .acc-body a{color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:700}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 RELATED \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .related-grid{\n\n  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;justify-content:center;margin:0 16px 32px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.18);border-radius:18px;padding:20px;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .related-grid a{\n\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;padding:9px 16px;\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.28);border-radius:8px;font-size:13px;font-weight:800;\n\n  color:var(--gold-light);background:rgba(0,0,0,.4);text-decoration:none;transition:transform .18s,border-color .18s;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .related-grid a:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);border-color:var(--gold)}\n\n\/* 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p{font-size:13.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);line-height:1.65;margin:0}\n\n.asf-h .partner-ref .pr-body strong{color:#fff;font-weight:800}\n\n.asf-h .partner-ref .pr-body a{color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:800}\n\n@media(max-width:600px){.asf-h .partner-ref{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}}\n\n@media(max-width:860px){\n\n  .asf-h .doc-grid,.asf-h .price-stats{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}\n\n  .asf-h .route-split,.asf-h .fail-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}\n\n}\n\n@media(max-width:600px){\n\n  .asf-h .doc-grid,.asf-h .price-stats,.asf-h .route-split,.asf-h .fail-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n\n  .asf-h .step-row{grid-template-columns:44px 1fr}\n\n  .asf-h .step-time{display:none}\n\n  .asf-h .acc-body{padding:0 16px 18px 52px}\n\n  .asf-h .ctas{flex-direction:column;align-items:stretch;margin-left:16px;margin-right:16px}\n\n  .asf-h .btn-call,.asf-h .btn-ghost{justify-content:center}\n\n}\n\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"asf-h\">\n  <!-- FLOAT LOGO --><\/p>\n<div class=\"logo-medal\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/asf-official-logo-site-vs-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Apostille San Francisco\"><\/div>\n<p><!-- BREADCRUMB --><\/p>\n<div class=\"crumbs\">\n    <a href=\"\/\">Home<\/a> \u203a Federal Apostille<\/div>\n<p><!-- H1 HERO --><\/p>\n<div class=\"hdr-wrap\">\n<div class=\"hdr\">\n<div class=\"kicker\">\n        <span class=\"kr\"><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"kt\">U.S. Dept of State &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Office of Authentications &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Washington D.C.<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"kr\"><\/span><\/div>\n<h1>Federal Apostille<\/h1>\n<p id=\"direct-answer\" class=\"hero-sub\">Federal documents \u2014 FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court orders \u2014 are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, not the California Secretary of State. We manage the full federal route from our San Francisco office, so your document reaches the right authority the first time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hero-meta\">\n        <span class=\"pill\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span> Mon\u2013Fri \u00b7 9am\u20135pm PT<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"pill gold\">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; U.S. Dept of State route<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"pill\">&#x1f4cd; 416 Bryant St, San Francisco<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CTAs --><\/p>\n<div class=\"ctas\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start $45 Document Check<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- INTRO --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>What a Federal Apostille Is<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"prose\">\n<p>An apostille is a certificate that makes a public document valid for use in another country that belongs to the <strong>Hague Apostille Convention<\/strong>. The catch is <strong>which authority issues it<\/strong>. Documents issued by the U.S. federal government are authenticated only by the <strong>U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.<\/strong> \u2014 never by a state office.<\/p>\n<p>This is the single most common and most costly mistake we see: a federal document, most often an <strong>FBI background check<\/strong>, sent to the California Secretary of State and rejected. We confirm the correct route up front and handle the federal filing for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- ROUTE SPLIT --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Federal vs. California \u2014 Know the Difference<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"route-split\">\n<div class=\"route-card federal\">\n<div class=\"rt-badge\">U.S. Dept of State<\/div>\n<h3>Federal Documents (This Page)<\/h3>\n<p>Issued by a U.S. federal agency. Authenticated only by the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. The California SOS cannot apostille these.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rt-docs\">\n        <strong>Documents:<\/strong> FBI Identity History Summary \u00b7 USCIS records \u00b7 Federal court orders \u00b7 Naturalization-related documents \u00b7 Social Security Administration records<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"route-card ca\">\n<div class=\"rt-badge\">California SOS<\/div>\n<h3>California Documents<\/h3>\n<p>Issued by California state or county officials, or notarized in California. These go through the California Secretary of State, not the federal route.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rt-docs\">\n        <strong>Documents:<\/strong> Birth \u00b7 Death \u00b7 Marriage certificates \u00b7 Court records \u00b7 Diplomas (notarized first) \u00b7 Notarized affidavits<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/california-apostille-guide\/\" class=\"rt-link\">California SOS Process \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- BRAND PARTNER REFERENCE (contextual \u00b7 notarization-first) --><\/p>\n<div class=\"partner-ref\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"pr-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-snc-site-logo-e1781531656654-copy.png\" alt=\"Sacramento Notary Co logo\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"pr-body\">\n<h3>California documents that need notarizing first?<\/h3>\n<p>Federal documents skip notarization, but California paperwork \u2014 powers of attorney, affidavits, diploma copies \u2014 must be notarized before its apostille. Apostille San Francisco is a proud partner of Sacramento Notary Co \u2014 a trusted <a href=\"https:\/\/sacramentonotaryco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sacramento mobile notary<\/a> since 2017 \u2014 for that first step.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- FEDERAL DOCUMENT TYPES --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Federal Documents We Handle<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-grid\">\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x1faaa;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>FBI Background Check<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x1f5c2;&#xfe0f;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>USCIS Documents<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x2696;&#xfe0f;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Federal Court Orders<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x1f4d1;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Social Security Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x1f6c2;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Naturalization Documents<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"doc-card\">\n      <span class=\"dc-em\">&#x1f3db;&#xfe0f;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Other Federal Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"dc-route\">Federal<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- HOW IT WORKS --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>How the Federal Apostille Process Works<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"steps-wrap\">\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Document Check \u2014 $45<\/h3>\n<p>We confirm your document is genuinely federal, verify it is in the correct authenticated form, and check your destination country&#8217;s requirements before anything is filed. Credited toward your service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-time\">Same day<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Prepare the Federal Document<\/h3>\n<p>Federal documents must be obtained correctly first. An FBI Identity History Summary, for example, should come through an FBI-approved channeler and be recent enough for your destination country \u2014 many require one issued within 3\u20136 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-time\">Varies<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>File with the U.S. Department of State<\/h3>\n<p>We submit your document to the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. \u2014 the only office authorized to apostille federal documents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-time\">Day of filing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Federal Authentication Issued<\/h3>\n<p>The Office of Authentications attaches the apostille certificate. The government authentication fee is $20 per document. Processing times are set by the Department of State and currently run several weeks for mail-in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-time\">Gov&#8217;t timeline<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Document Returned<\/h3>\n<p>Your apostilled document is returned by tracked courier or forwarded directly to your destination, ready for international use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-time\">On completion<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- WHY REJECTED --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Why Federal Apostilles Get Rejected<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-grid\">\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Filed With the California SOS<\/h3>\n<p>The most common error. The California Secretary of State cannot authenticate federal documents. An FBI check filed there will be returned unprocessed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>FBI Check Too Old<\/h3>\n<p>Many countries require a background check issued within the last 3\u20136 months. An older report is often refused at the destination, even after it is apostilled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Wrong Form of the Document<\/h3>\n<p>The Department of State authenticates the properly issued federal document with its seal \u2014 not an uncertified copy or a printout that lacks the required federal certification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Destination Isn&#8217;t a Hague Country<\/h3>\n<p>Countries outside the Hague Convention need a full legalization chain \u2014 federal authentication plus embassy or consulate legalization \u2014 not a simple apostille.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- PRICING --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Federal Apostille Pricing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"price-stats\">\n<div class=\"ps-card featured\">\n<div class=\"ps-amount\"><span class=\"ps-dollar\">$<\/span>45<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-label\">Document Check<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-note\">Credited toward service<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-card\">\n<div class=\"ps-amount\"><span class=\"ps-dollar\">$<\/span>20<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-label\">Gov&#8217;t Fee \/ Document<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-note\">U.S. Dept of State authentication<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-card\">\n<div class=\"ps-amount\"><span class=\"ps-dollar\">$<\/span>349<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-label\">Federal Apostille Service<\/div>\n<div class=\"ps-note\">Flat rate, per document<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"price-foot\">\n    Federal handling depends on document type, destination country, and how quickly you need it. Start with the <strong>$45 Document Check<\/strong> or call <a href=\"tel:+14154390289\">(415) 439-0289<\/a> for a full federal quote \u2014 we confirm every cost before any document is filed.<\/div>\n<p><!-- FAQ --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Federal Apostille FAQ<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-wrap\">\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">What is a federal apostille and who issues it?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>A federal apostille is an authentication certificate issued by the <strong>U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications<\/strong> in Washington, D.C. It is placed on federally issued documents \u2014 FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court orders \u2014 so they are recognized in Hague Convention countries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can the California Secretary of State apostille my FBI background check?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p><strong>No.<\/strong> An FBI Identity History Summary is a federal document and must go through the U.S. Department of State \u2014 not the California SOS. Filing a federal document with the state office results in rejection. We manage the federal route so it&#8217;s filed correctly the first time. See the <a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">FBI background check apostille guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">How do I get my FBI background check ready for apostille?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Order your FBI Identity History Summary through an <strong>FBI-approved channeler<\/strong> or directly from the FBI, and keep it recent \u2014 many countries require a check issued within the last 3\u20136 months. We confirm the exact requirement for your destination country during the $45 Document Check before anything is filed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">How long does a federal apostille take?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Processing times at the U.S. Department of State are set by the government, not by us. Mail-in federal authentication currently takes <strong>several weeks<\/strong>. Because timelines shift, call <a href=\"tel:+14154390289\">(415) 439-0289<\/a> for the current estimate before you plan around a deadline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">My destination country isn&#8217;t in the Hague Convention. What then?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Countries that are not party to the Hague Apostille Convention require a <strong>full legalization chain<\/strong> instead of an apostille: federal authentication followed by legalization at that country&#8217;s embassy or consulate. We can advise on the correct steps for your specific country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">6<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">How much does a federal apostille cost?<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>The U.S. Department of State government authentication fee is <strong>$20 per document<\/strong>. Our service begins with the <strong>$45 Document Check<\/strong>, credited toward your service. Because federal handling depends on document type, country, and timeline, call <a href=\"tel:+14154390289\">(415) 439-0289<\/a> for a full quote \u2014 every cost is confirmed before filing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- RELATED --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Related Pages &amp; Document Guides<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-grid\">\n    <a href=\"\/apostille-san-francisco\/\">&#x1f4cd; Apostille San Francisco<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-apostille-guide\/\">&#x1f4cc; CA SOS Process<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">&#x1faaa; FBI Background Check<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">&#x2705; $45 Document Check<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-apostille-faq\/\">&#x2753; FAQ<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/contact-apostille-san-francisco\/\">&#x1f4de; Contact<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- FINAL CTA --><\/p>\n<div class=\"ctas\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start $45 Document Check \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- DISCLAIMER --><\/p>\n<div class=\"disc\">\n    Apostille San Francisco \u00b7 416 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 \u00b7 Mon\u2013Fri 9am\u20135pm PT (emergency line after hours) \u00b7<br \/>\nApostille facilitation and document authentication service. We are not the U.S. Department of State and do not issue apostilles;<br \/>\nwe prepare and submit your documents to the issuing authority. Not a law firm; does not provide legal advice.<br \/>\nGovernment fees and processing times are set by the issuing authority and subject to change. \u00a9 2026 Apostille San Francisco \u00b7<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/privacy-policy-apostille-san-francisco\/\">Privacy<\/a> \u00b7<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/terms-of-service\/\">Terms<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/asf-h --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/federal-apostille\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/federal-apostille\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Federal Apostille | U.S. Department of State Authentication\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/#website\"\n      },\n      \"about\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/#legalservice\"\n      },\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\n      \"speakable\": {\n        \"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\",\n        \"cssSelector\": [\n          \"#direct-answer\"\n        ]\n      },\n      \"breadcrumb\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/federal-apostille\/#breadcrumb\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Service\",\n      \"name\": \"Federal Apostille Service\",\n      \"provider\": {\n        \"@type\": \"LocalBusiness\",\n        \"name\": \"Apostille San Francisco\",\n        \"telephone\": \"+14154390289\",\n        \"address\": {\n          \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",\n          \"streetAddress\": \"416 Bryant Street\",\n          \"addressLocality\": \"San Francisco\",\n          \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",\n          \"postalCode\": \"94107\",\n          \"addressCountry\": \"US\"\n        }\n      },\n      \"serviceType\": \"Federal Apostille \/ U.S. Department of State Authentication\",\n      \"areaServed\": \"United States\",\n      \"description\": \"Federal apostille service for FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court documents, and other federally issued documents. We manage the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications route from San Francisco. Federal documents cannot be apostilled by the California Secretary of State.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"HowTo\",\n      \"name\": \"How to Get a Federal Apostille\",\n      \"description\": \"The process to obtain a U.S. Department of State apostille for federally issued documents such as an FBI background check.\",\n      \"step\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"name\": \"Document Check\",\n          \"text\": \"Submit your document for a $45 Document Check. We confirm it is genuinely federal, verify it is in the correct authenticated form, and confirm your destination country's requirements before anything is filed.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"name\": \"Prepare the Federal Document\",\n          \"text\": \"Federal documents must be obtained in the correct form first \u2014 for example, an FBI Identity History Summary through an FBI-approved channeler, recent enough to satisfy your destination country.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"position\": 3,\n          \"name\": \"File with the U.S. Department of State\",\n          \"text\": \"We submit the document to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. \u2014 the only office that can apostille federal documents.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"position\": 4,\n          \"name\": \"Federal Authentication Issued\",\n          \"text\": \"The Office of Authentications attaches the apostille certificate. The government authentication fee is $20 per document.\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"HowToStep\",\n          \"position\": 5,\n          \"name\": \"Document Returned\",\n          \"text\": \"Your apostilled document is returned by tracked courier or forwarded directly to your destination.\"\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is a federal apostille and who issues it?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"A federal apostille is an authentication certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. It is used on federally issued documents \u2014 FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court orders \u2014 so they are recognized in Hague Convention countries.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can the California Secretary of State apostille my FBI background check?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. FBI Identity History Summary reports are federal documents and must go through the U.S. Department of State, not the California Secretary of State. Filing a federal document with the California SOS results in rejection. This is the single most common federal apostille mistake.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How do I get my FBI background check ready for apostille?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Order your FBI Identity History Summary through an FBI-approved channeler or directly from the FBI, and keep it recent \u2014 many countries require a check issued within the last 3 to 6 months. We confirm the exact requirement for your destination country during the Document Check.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How long does a federal apostille take?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Processing times at the U.S. Department of State vary and are set by the government, not by us. Mail-in federal authentication currently takes several weeks. Call (415) 439-0289 for the most current timeline before you plan around a deadline.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"My destination country is not in the Hague Convention. What then?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Countries that are not party to the Hague Apostille Convention require a full legalization chain instead of an apostille: federal authentication followed by legalization at that country's embassy or consulate. We can advise on the correct chain for your country.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How much does a federal apostille cost?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"The U.S. Department of State government authentication fee is $20 per document. 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Federal Apostille Federal documents \u2014 FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court orders \u2014 are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, not the California Secretary of State. We manage the full federal route from our San Francisco office, so &#8230; <a title=\"Federal Apostille | U.S. Department of State Authentication\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/federal-apostille\/\" aria-label=\"Leer m\u00e1s sobre Federal Apostille | U.S. Department of State Authentication\">Leer m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5361","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5361"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5768,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5361\/revisions\/5768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}