-
Mon-Fri 9am-6 pm
Sat 11am-3pm PST
From FBI background checks to naturalization certificates, we handle the entire federal apostille process so you don’t have to. San Diego City Notary is a certified FBI Live Scan facility, which means you can get fingerprinted, obtain your FBI background check, and have your documents apostilled, all under one roof.
Whether you’re relocating overseas, applying for dual citizenship, or teaching abroad, we ensure your federal documents are properly authenticated and accepted worldwide.
A federal apostille is an official certification issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications. It verifies that a document from a U.S. federal agency (such as the FBI, USCIS, IRS, or Social Security Administration) is genuine and legally recognized in another country. The apostille system is accepted in over 125 countries under the 1961 Hague Convention. For non-Hague countries, the State Department issues an authentication certificate instead.
A common mistake to avoid: Federal documents (FBI reports, naturalization certificates, IRS letters) must go to the U.S. Department of State. State documents (birth certificates, diplomas) go to the California Secretary of State. Submitting to the wrong office means automatic rejection. We identify exactly which process your documents require before anything is submitted.
Don’t see your document listed? Contact us. If it’s issued by a U.S. federal agency, we can most likely help.
The FBI Identity History Summary is the most commonly apostilled federal document, required by dozens of countries for visa, residency, and citizenship applications.
Never notarize an FBI document. Any stamps, seals, or notary marks will invalidate it. The State Department authenticates only the FBI Section Chief’s signature.
Digital and hard-copy versions are both accepted. If you received your FBI check electronically, you can print it and submit it for apostille.
FBI reports expire. The State Department generally requires reports issued within the last six months. Some countries require 90 days or less.
Plan for the full timeline. Between fingerprinting, FBI processing, and State Department processing, the entire process can take 8 to 12 weeks. Our end-to-end service saves you critical time.
Never send your original Certificate of Naturalization to the Department of State. It will be rejected, and you risk losing an irreplaceable document. The State Department requires a Certified True Copy from USCIS, obtained through an in-person appointment. Call USCIS at 800-375-5283 to schedule, bring your original with a photocopy and photo ID, and they will issue the certified copy that qualifies for apostille.
Step 1: Consultation and Document Review. We review your documents, confirm which apostille process applies, and verify your destination country’s requirements.
Step 2: Fingerprinting and FBI Background Check (if needed). We capture your fingerprints on-site and submit them through an FBI-approved channeler. Results typically arrive in 3 to 5 business days, far faster than the FBI’s 12 to 18 week mail process.
Step 3: Federal Apostille Processing. We prepare your DS-4194 form, package your documents to State Department standards, and submit everything to the Office of Authentications.
Step 4: Document Return. We notify you as soon as your apostilled documents arrive for pickup or shipping.
All the prices listed above include one notarization and all the government fees
Standard processing through the U.S. Department of State currently takes 5 to 6 weeks by mail. Walk-in processing at the Washington, D.C. office takes about 7 business days, but availability is limited to early morning hours Monday through Thursday with a 15-document cap per visit. Our expedited service targets a 3 to 4 week turnaround.
Our standard FBI apostille service is $199, which includes document preparation, the State Department’s $20 government fee, and return shipping. Expedited processing is $249. If you also need fingerprinting and the FBI background check itself, add $59 for our on-site Live Scan service.
An apostille is accepted by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 125 countries). For non-Hague countries such as Canada, UAE, Egypt, and Qatar, the State Department issues an authentication certificate instead. This certificate typically requires additional embassy or consulate legalization before your documents are considered valid. We handle both processes.
FBI-approved channelers are authorized companies that submit your fingerprints to the FBI and return results in 3 to 5 business days. By comparison, the FBI’s direct mail process takes 12 to 18 weeks. As a certified Live Scan facility, we work with approved channelers to get your results as fast as possible.
Dozens of countries require apostilled FBI checks for residency, work, or citizenship applications. Some of the most common include Spain, South Korea, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Philippines. Requirements vary by country and visa type, so we recommend confirming your destination’s specific rules before getting started. We are happy to help with that.
If you need fingerprinting for an FBI background check, yes. An in-person visit is required for the Live Scan. However, if you already have your federal documents in hand, we can handle the apostille process remotely. Contact us to discuss your situation.
The State Department cannot apostille Social Security cards, uncertified photocopies of federal documents, passports, any document that has been notarized or altered, or expired documents. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, bring it in for a free review.
Se Habla Español
We Beat All Local Competitor’s Pricing for the Apostille Service
Copyright © 2026 Development by Nabali Development.
All rights reserved.
