Washington State apostilles are simple once you know the one rule that sends most people back to square one: Washington only apostilles Washington documents.
What the Washington Secretary of State will apostille
The Washington Secretary of State issues apostilles for documents signed by Washington public officials: Washington notaries, county officials, state agencies, Washington courts, and certified vital records issued in Washington. It verifies the official’s signature, not the content of the document.
A document notarized in Oregon goes to Oregon. A federal document, like an FBI background check or a naturalization record, goes to the U.S. Department of State.
How to get an apostille in Washington State
- Get the right document. A certified copy for vital records, never a photocopy. A completed Washington notarization for private documents.
- Complete the apostille request form from the Secretary of State and list the destination country.
- Pay the fee: $15 per document. Expedited service is available for an extra $100 per 10 documents.
- Submit the request to the Washington Secretary of State. Standard processing is usually 2 to 3 business days, plus mail time each way.
If the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the Washington certificate is only the first step. The document usually goes on to the U.S. Department of State and then to that country’s embassy for legalization.
Not in Washington, or your document isn’t a Washington document?
If your document is something you sign (a power of attorney, affidavit, consent letter, declaration), it can be notarized online by a New York notary from wherever you are, and then apostilled by New York. Hague countries accept an apostille from any U.S. state, as long as it matches the official who signed.
We notarize it online from anywhere in the U.S., file the New York apostille, and ship it back. $199 for the service. See the apostille service →
Washington birth certificates, Washington court records and other Washington public records still have to go through the Washington Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an apostille in Washington State?
The Washington Secretary of State charges $15 per document. Expedited service costs an extra $100 per 10 documents.
How long does a Washington apostille take?
Standard processing is usually 2 to 3 business days after the office receives your request, plus mailing time.
Can Washington apostille a document from another state?
No. Washington only apostilles documents signed by Washington officials. A document from another state goes to that state, and federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
Can I get a New York apostille if I live in Washington?
Yes, for documents you sign. A New York online notary can notarize your document while you are in Washington, and New York then issues the apostille.
Related reading
- Apostille services in New York
- What is an apostille?
- How long does a New York apostille take?
- Why apostille requests get rejected
- Apostille vs certificate of authentication
This article is general information, not legal advice. Government fees and processing times change, so confirm with the issuing office before you submit. NotarEaseNYC is a notary and document service, not a law firm.