How to Apostille Federal Court or FDA/USDA Document

If you need to use a federal court record or FDA/USDA certificate overseas, it must be authenticated with a federal apostille. These are federal documents, so the apostille comes from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC—not a state office. Below we explain your options: Mail-In (about 5–6 weeks) or our Expedited Service (~10 business days).

Quick Answer

Option 1 — Mail-In (DIY): You can send your federal court or FDA/USDA documents to the U.S. Department of State by mail. Processing typically takes 5–6 weeks. Errors such as incorrect forms, missing information, or payment issues will cause returns and long delays. For a general overview, see our DIY Federal Apostille Guide.

Option 2 — Expedited (~10 Business Days): Our team of experts in the federal apostille process manages your file directly with the U.S. Department of State. This reduces errors, provides proactive updates, and averages ~10 business days from start to finish.

Mail-In vs. Expedited (Comparison)

Which Federal Documents Are Covered?

Here are the most common federal documents that require apostille for use abroad:

• Federal court records — judgments, bankruptcy records, indictments
• FDA certificates — export certificates, compliance approvals
• USDA certificates — animal/plant health, agricultural exports
• USPTO patents/trademarks
• Other federal agency documents (DOJ, DHS, HHS, etc.)

How the Process Works

Every federal apostille follows the same basic steps:

1. Obtain the document — Secure the official court record or FDA/USDA certificate from the issuing agency.
2. Identify the destination country — Hague Convention members require an apostille; non-members require additional embassy legalization.
3. Prepare the request — Accuracy is key: correct form, proper fee, and destination country must be included.
4. Submit for authentication — Mail-in takes weeks; expedited service averages ~10 business days with fewer errors.
5. Delivery — You’ll receive a digital scan when complete, and the original is shipped securely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to a state office (they’ll be rejected)
• Omitting or misidentifying the destination country
• Incorrect fees or payment methods
• Expecting faster tiers without an emergency
• Starting too late for visa or consular deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides & Tools

• DIY Federal Apostille Guide
• Federal Apostille Processing Time Estimator
• Same-Day Federal Apostille (Emergency Only)

Disclaimer: Timeframes and requirements may change without notice. We advise based on the most current official guidance at the time of your order.