One of the most common questions people ask is: How long does it take to get an apostille in the United States?

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of document, the state or federal authority responsible for issuing the apostille, the document’s condition, current government processing times, and the shipping method selected.

Some state apostilles may be completed within a few business days, while others can take several weeks. Federal documents, including FBI background checks, generally follow a separate process and may require additional time.

At Florida Apostillar, we help clients identify the correct apostille process and available service options based on the document, issuing authority, destination country, and required deadline.

Average Apostille Processing Times
Apostille processing times are not the same throughout the United States.

Each state establishes its own procedures and turnaround times, while federal documents are handled through the appropriate federal authority.

Key Factors Influencing Timeline

The time required to obtain an apostille in the United States depends on the document type, the issuing authority (state vs. federal), current government backlogs, and the shipping method. While some state documents are processed in a few business days, federal documents often take several weeks. Total turnaround time typically excludes shipping durations unless expedited services are selected.

Federal vs. State Apostille Timelines

The primary determinant of speed is whether the document is federal or state-issued.

Federal Documents

Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, USCIS naturalization certificates, and IRS tax records, are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. As of mid-2026, standard processing takes 10 to 12 business days from receipt. However, the total timeline often extends to 6 to 8 weeks when including the time to obtain the underlying document and shipping.

State Documents

State-issued documents (birth certificates, diplomas, etc.) are processed by the respective Secretary of State. Timelines vary from same-day service for walk-ins in states like Florida and New York to 25 business days for mail-in requests in Texas. State processing is generally faster than federal processing.

Shipping and Service Options

Submission and return methods critically impact total elapsed time:

• Standard Mail: Adds 2 to 3 business days each way.

• Overnight Courier: Reduces transit to 1 business day, significantly speeding up urgent requests.

• In-Person Drop-off: For federal documents, dropping off papers directly in Washington, D.C. reduces processing to approximately 7 business days. Some states offer immediate processing for walk-ins.

Critical Considerations

External factors often cause delays. Government holidays and peak seasons (e.g., start of the academic year) create backlogs. Applications with errors or missing notarizations are frequently rejected, resetting the timeline. Additionally, non-Hague countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar) require embassy legalization beyond the apostille, adding weeks to the process.

What Factors Affect Apostille Processing Time?

Several factors determine how quickly an apostille can be completed.

1. The State That Issued the Document

Each U.S. state has a designated authority responsible for issuing apostilles for documents originating within that state.
For example, the Florida Secretary of State is the competent authority for qualifying Florida public documents and notarized documents. Florida cannot issue an apostille for a document originating from another state.
Because each state follows its own procedures, processing times can vary significantly.

2. State Documents vs. Federal Documents

State and federal documents do not follow the same apostille process.
State documents may include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• State court records
• School documents
• Powers of attorney
• Notarized affidavits
• State business documents
Federal documents may include:
• FBI background checks
• Certain federal court records
• Documents issued by federal agencies
• Documents signed by federal officials

Federal documents requiring an apostille are generally processed through the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications. The Department currently advises applicants mailing qualifying requests to allow up to five weeks from the date the request is received.

3. Whether the Document Is Properly Prepared

Incorrect document preparation is one of the most common causes of apostille delays and rejections.

Possible problems include:

• Missing original signatures
• Improper notarization
• An incomplete notarial certificate
• Submitting a photocopy when a certified copy is required
• Using a document issued by the wrong authority
• Missing county or court certification
• Submitting an altered or damaged document
• Failing to provide required application information

For qualifying Florida documents, original signatures or properly issued certified copies may be required. A simple photocopy of an original public document generally cannot be authenticated as though it were the original.

A document review before submission can help identify these problems early.

4. Current Government Workload

Processing times can fluctuate based on:

• Submission volume
• Staffing levels
• Government holidays
• Office closures
• System interruptions
• Changes in agency procedures
• Severe weather or emergency conditions

Published government processing times are estimates rather than guaranteed completion dates.

5. The Destination Country

The destination country determines whether the document requires an apostille or a different authentication process.

Apostilles are used for documents going to countries participating in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. Documents intended for nonmember countries may require authentication and additional embassy or consular legalization.

Failing to identify the destination country correctly can result in receiving the wrong certification and having to restart the process.

6. Shipping and International Delivery

Government processing time does not include shipping.

The total turnaround time may also include:
• Shipping the documents to Florida Apostillar
• Delivery to the government authority
• Return delivery after processing
• International courier transit
• Customs clearance
• Weekends and holidays
• Carrier disruptions

Express courier services may reduce shipping time, but they do not guarantee faster government processing.

Can You Get an Apostille Faster?

In some cases, faster service options may be available depending on:

• The issuing state
• The type of document
• Whether the document is properly prepared
• Current government availability
• The client’s deadline
• The selected return-delivery method

Not every state or federal agency offers expedited government processing.

A service provider may be able to reduce handling, submission, coordination, or courier time, but no private company controls the government authority issuing the apostille.

Before selecting an expedited option, confirm exactly what the advertised timeframe includes:

• Government processing
• Internal handling
• Transportation
• Return shipping
• Weekends or holidays
How to Avoid Apostille Delays
Before submitting your documents, confirm that:
• You have the correct original or certified copy.
• The document was issued by the proper authority.
• Any required notarization was completed correctly.
• All required signatures are present.
• The country where the document will be used has been identified.
• The correct state or federal authority will receive the document.
• Any required court, county, or state certifications have been obtained.
• The document meets the receiving institution’s age requirements.
• The shipping address is accurate and complete.
• Any required translation has been properly arranged.

A professional review does not guarantee government approval, but it can significantly reduce avoidable errors and unnecessary resubmissions.
Why Apostille Times Vary by State
There is no single national office that issues apostilles for every U.S. document.

Each state is responsible for documents issued or notarized within its jurisdiction. That means every state may have different:

• Submission procedures
• Fees
• Document requirements
• Walk-in policies
• Mailing requirements
• Expedited-service options
• Processing times

Federal documents follow a separate process.

Because of these differences, a Florida birth certificate, a New York marriage certificate, and an FBI background check may each require different authorities, forms, fees, and timelines.

How Long Does a Florida Apostille Take?

The total turnaround time for a Florida apostille depends on:

• The type and condition of the document
• Whether additional certification is required
• The selected Florida Apostillar service option
• Current Florida government processing conditions
• How the documents are delivered and returned

Florida Apostillar may offer different service levels for qualifying Florida documents. The quoted timeframe should be confirmed at the time of ordering because government conditions and service availability can change.

Only the Florida Secretary of State, through the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, can issue an apostille for qualifying Florida documents.

How Long Does an FBI Apostille Take?

An FBI background check apostille is a federal process.

The FBI background check must contain the appropriate federal authentication features before it can be submitted for an apostille. The apostille is then handled through the U.S. Department of State rather than a state Secretary of State.

Standard processing may take several weeks, particularly when submitted by mail. Shipping and document-preparation time must also be added to the total estimate.

Clients with a strict deadline should request a current timeframe before placing an order.

How Florida Apostillar Can Help

Managing apostille requirements can be confusing, especially when documents come from multiple states or include both state and federal records.

Florida Apostillar helps simplify the process by:

• Reviewing documents before submission
• Identifying the appropriate issuing authority
• Explaining document-preparation requirements
• Coordinating apostilles for Florida documents
• Assisting with documents issued in other states
• Handling FBI and eligible federal apostille requests
• Providing certified translation services when requested
• Coordinating domestic and international return shipping
• Offering customer service in English and Spanish

Our team provides estimated processing information based on the document and current conditions at the time of the request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Florida apostille take?

The timeframe depends on the document, selected service level, government processing conditions, and shipping method. Contact Florida Apostillar for a current estimate based on your specific document.

How long does an FBI apostille take?

FBI apostilles generally take longer than state apostilles because they follow the federal authentication process. Standard federal processing can take several weeks.

Can an apostille be completed in 24 or 48 hours?

Certain qualifying state documents may have fast service options available, but availability depends on the issuing state, document preparation, submission method, and current government conditions.

Federal apostilles generally cannot be completed within the same timeframe as many state apostilles.

Can I expedite a federal apostille?

Federal options are more limited than state options. Current eligibility and availability should be confirmed before submitting the document.

Does shipping time count as processing time?

No. Government processing, internal handling, and shipping are separate parts of the total turnaround time unless the service quote specifically states otherwise.

What causes the most apostille delays?

Common causes include incorrect notarization, uncertified copies, missing signatures, submitting the document to the wrong authority, incomplete applications, document damage, and failure to identify the destination country.

Can Florida issue an apostille for a document from another state?

No. A document originating in another state generally must be apostilled by the competent authority for that state. Florida Apostillar can assist with coordinating apostilles from other U.S. states.

Are processing times guaranteed?

No. Processing times are estimates. Government agencies and shipping carriers may experience delays outside the service provider’s control.

Need Your Apostille as Quickly as Possible?

Whether your documents were issued in Florida, another U.S. state, or by a federal agency, Florida Apostillar can help identify the appropriate process and available service options.

Send us a clear copy of your document and tell us:

• The country where it will be used
• Your required deadline
• Where the completed documents must be delivered
Our team will review the information and explain the recommended next steps.

Contact Florida Apostillar today to request a document review and receive a current processing estimate.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a guaranteed processing timeframe. Requirements and processing times may change based on the document, issuing authority, destination country, government workload, carrier performance, and the receiving institution’s policies. Estimated timeframes should always be confirmed before submitting an order.