Apostille Cost in the USA: What You Need to Know
If you need to use your American documents abroad, especially in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you must get them apostilled. The apostille certifies your document’s authenticity, ensuring it is recognized internationally. However, many people wonder about the Apostille Cost, the fees involved, and the process.
This article explains the costs associated with getting an apostille in the USA, the factors affecting these fees, and tips to manage your expenses efficiently.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document that verifies its authenticity for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms the signature, the capacity of the official signing the document, and the seal or stamp on the document.
Where to Get an Apostille in the USA?
In the United States, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was originally issued. For federal documents, the U.S. Department of State issues apostilles.
Apostille Cost in the USA: State-Level and Federal Documents
State-Level Apostille Cost
Each state sets its own fee for apostilling documents, so apostille costs vary depending on the state. Generally, the fees range between:
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$5 to $25 per document
Here are some examples:
| State | Apostille Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| California | $20 |
| New York | $10 |
| Texas | $15 |
| Florida | $10 |
| Illinois | $5 |
Federal-Level Apostille Cost
For federal documents (such as FBI background checks or immigration papers), the apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State.
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Fee: $20 per apostille
Additional Costs to Consider
Besides the apostille fee charged by the state or federal authorities, you may incur other charges such as:
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Notarization Fees: Many documents must be notarized before apostille; notary fees vary by state but typically range from $5 to $20 per document.
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Mailing and Courier Charges: For sending documents to and from the Secretary of State’s office or Department of State, expect to pay between $5 and $30 depending on the courier service and urgency.
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Expedited Service Fees: Some states and the Department of State offer faster processing for an additional fee ranging from $10 to $50.
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Third-Party Service Fees: If you use professional apostille service companies to handle the paperwork and courier, their service fees can vary widely, from $50 up to $200 per document.
Factors Affecting Apostille Cost in the USA
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State of Issuance: Each state charges its own apostille fee and processing timeline.
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Document Type: Some documents might require notarization or extra certification steps before apostille.
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Processing Speed: Rush or same-day services increase the cost significantly.
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Use of Service Providers: Agencies charge for convenience and can bundle notarization, courier, and apostille services.
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Number of Documents: Apostille fees are per document, so multiple documents mean higher total cost.
How to Get Apostille Cost Estimate
To estimate the total apostille cost:
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Check the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State website for official apostille fees.
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Include notarization fees if applicable.
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Add mailing or courier expenses.
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Decide if expedited service is necessary and factor in those fees.
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If using a service provider, ask for a detailed quote upfront.
Tips to Save on Apostille Costs
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Do It Yourself: Submit documents directly to the Secretary of State’s office to avoid third-party service fees.
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Prepare Documents Properly: Ensure your documents are notarized and error-free to avoid rejections or reprocessing.
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Choose Standard Shipping: Avoid expensive courier services unless urgent.
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Compare Service Providers: If you use agencies, compare quotes and reviews for the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the typical apostille fee in the USA?
It varies by state but generally ranges from $5 to $25 per document; federal apostille fees are around $20.
Q2: Do I need to notarize my document before apostille?
Most documents require notarization before apostille, which incurs additional fees.
Q3: Can I apostille a copy of my document?
Usually, only original or certified copies are accepted for apostille.
Q4: How long does apostille processing take in the USA?
Processing times vary by state, ranging from a few days to several weeks; expedited services are often available.
Q5: Can I use an apostille for any country?
No. Apostilles are valid only in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Q6: Are there any hidden fees?
Official fees are generally transparent, but courier, notarization, and service provider fees may add up.
Conclusion
Understanding the apostille cost in the USA is essential to budget your document legalization process properly. While government fees are relatively low, additional costs like notarization, mailing, and optional expedited processing can increase your total expense.
By knowing the fees upfront and choosing the right approach—whether self-submission or professional service—you can ensure a smooth apostille process without overspending.
