Federal vs. DC Documents — Know the Difference
Depending on whether your document was issued by a federal agency or by the District of Columbia, it goes through a different office. We handle courier runs to both.
🏛 U.S. Department of State
Handles apostille and authentication for federally issued documents — FBI background checks (FBI apostille services Washington DC), Social Security letters, federal agency records, and documents for non-Hague countries requiring U.S. State Dept. authentication. FBI apostille legalization Washington DC available.
🏙 DC Office of Documents / Secretary of DC
Handles apostille and certification for DC-issued documents — birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, court records, and other documents issued by the District of Columbia government.
DC Secretary of State — DC Documents
Documents issued by the District of Columbia — such as DC birth certificates, marriage records, or court documents — are apostilled through the DC Office, not the U.S. Department of State. This is a common source of confusion that can cause delays. DC Apostille services available.
⚠️ Important: DC Documents Are NOT Federal Documents
A DC birth certificate is issued by the District of Columbia, not a federal agency. It goes through the DC apostille authority. A federal document like an FBI background check goes through the U.S. Department of State. Submitting to the wrong office causes delays. We help identify the correct office before submission.
U.S. Department of State — Federal Documents
Ready to order an FBI apostille?
Use the online order form for FBI background check apostilles only. For Social Security letters, federal agency records, DC documents, or embassy legalization, please contact us first so we can confirm the correct process.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
If your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is the correct certification. If the country is not a Hague member, your document may need U.S. Department of State authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization. Submitting without knowing which process applies can result in rejection.
We help identify which process applies
Before you submit anything, contact us. We review the document type and destination country to determine the correct path — apostille, authentication, or both.
How Federal Apostille & Authentication Works
Federal Apostille Services Washington DC — Skip the Trip.
Embassy Legalization
For non-Hague countries that require embassy or consular legalization after authentication — available by request.
No DC Trip Required
You don't have to take time off or travel to Washington DC yourself.
Correct Office, First Time
We identify whether your document goes to the U.S. Dept. of State or the DC Office before submission.
Bilingual Support
English and Spanish assistance available throughout the process.
Combined Services
Need notarization or certified translation too? We handle multiple steps together.
Do You Need a Translation Before or After the Apostille?
Translation requirements depend on the destination country and the reason you are using the document — such as a visa, citizenship, residency, work permit, school enrollment, marriage, or another official process. Some countries require the original document to be apostilled first and then translated. Other countries may require the certified translation itself to be notarized and apostilled.
We review the use and country before recommending the next step
Before ordering a translation or apostille, confirm where the document will be used and what the receiving office is asking for. Maryland Mobile Notary Express can help coordinate apostille services with certified translation when needed, so the document is prepared the right way for your specific country and purpose.
Learn About Certified TranslationsNeed FBI Apostille Services in Washington DC?
Contact Maryland Mobile Notary Express for mobile federal apostille delivery and courier runs to the U.S. Department of State or DC Secretary of State. Embassy legalization available by request.