Washington Apostille Services — Birth, Marriage, Diplomas, FBI & Business

If you plan to use a Washington–issued document overseas, the receiving authority will almost certainly require anapostille (for Hague Convention countries) or, if your destination is not a Hague member, a state authentication followed by consular legalization.This is common for everyday records: a birth certificate ormarriage certificate from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Statistics or a county auditor;a divorce decree certified by a Superior Court Clerk;diplomas/transcripts from the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western/Eastern/Central Washington University, Gonzaga,Seattle University, Pacific Lutheran, Seattle Pacific, Whitworth, or Whitman; or a notarizedpower of attorney for a real-estate closing in Spain or a family matter in Mexico.The apostille is a one-page certificate that verifies the signature and official capacity of the Washington official or notary who signed your document,allowing it to be accepted abroad without additional embassy steps when the destination is a Hague member.

Washington’s economy is deeply international — from aerospace in Everett and Renton; cloud and software in Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue; clean tech and biotech clusters along the I-5 corridor;maritime, ports, and logistics in Tacoma and Seattle; agriculture in the Yakima and Columbia basins; and higher education and research statewide.Families, students, mariners, and companies frequently need documents that “travel well.” This comprehensive guide explainswho issues apostilles in Washington, what qualifies, how to prepare each document category correctly, realistic timelines, pitfalls to avoid,and when an expedited in-person filing is smarter than a do-it-yourself (DIY) mail-in submission.

Quick Answer

Authority: Apostilles and authentications for Washington documents are issued by the Washington Secretary of State — Apostilles & Notarial Program (within the Corporations & Charities Division) in Olympia.

Eligible Documents: Certified vital records (birth/death/marriage from the DOH Center for Health Statistics and, for marriages, often the County Auditor);divorce decrees and other court orders certified by a Superior Court Clerk;notarized documents (POAs, affidavits, consents) notarized by a Washington notary; academic records (diplomas/transcripts with registrar certification or sealed packets);and business records (Certificates of Existence/Status and certified filings from the Washington Secretary of State — Corporations & Charities Division).Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks) must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Turnaround: DIY mail-in commonly takes 4–6+ weeks. With complete readiness, in-person filing can yield same-day or 24-hour results.

Price: $145 per document, government fees included. Same-day scans included. U.S. shipping optional ($20 flat); international by quote.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a standardized certificate under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It does not validate the content of your document.Instead, it verifies the authenticity of the signature/seal and the official capacity of the signer — a state registrar, court clerk, university registrar, or notary public.When both the issuing jurisdiction (Washington/USA) and the destination country participate in the Hague Convention, the apostille makes your document self-authenticating abroad.

For non-Hague destinations, the document follows a two-step path: (1) a Washington authentication by the Secretary of State and (2) consular legalization by the destination country’s embassy/consulate in the U.S.The correct route depends on the destination and sometimes the particular ministry, registry, or university receiving your file.

Who Issues Apostilles in Washington?

The Washington Secretary of State — Apostilles & Notarial Program (Olympia) issues apostilles and authentications for documents originating in Washington State.Common categories include:

• Vital Records — Certified birth, death, and marriage certificates issued by the Department of Health — Center for Health Statistics (state registrar) or,for marriages, by the County Auditor where the license was recorded (e.g., King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Clark, Yakima).Divorce decrees are certified by the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the judgment was entered.
• Court Records — Name-change orders, adoptions/guardianships, probate orders, criminal dispositions, and judgments certified by a Superior Court Clerk with seal and certification page.
• Notarized Documents — Affidavits, POAs, parental travel consents, translator affidavits, employment verifications, corporate resolutions, and other statements notarized by a Washington notary public.Washington authorizes remote online notarization (RON); confirm acceptance with your destination.
• Academic Records — Diplomas, transcripts, degree/enrollment verifications, and registrar letters from University of Washington, Washington State University,Western/Eastern/Central Washington University, Gonzaga, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Pacific Lutheran University,Whitman, Whitworth, and community & technical colleges. Registrar certification or sealed packets are typical.
• Business Records — Articles/Certificates of Formation or Incorporation, Certificates of Existence/Status, and certified copies of filings from theWashington Secretary of State — Corporations & Charities Division; plus notarized corporate instruments (board resolutions, incumbency certificates, POAs) executed by officers or counsel as requested by your recipient.Some transactions also involve Department of Revenue or professional licensing boards; ask the recipient for their exact checklist.

Federal documents — FBI background checks, IRS letters, USDA/FDA/NOAA export certificates, Social Security letters — must be apostilled by theU.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.), not by the State of Washington.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

Washingtonians most commonly need apostilles for:

• Immigration & Long-Stay Visas — Many European and Latin American destinations (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile) require apostilled vital records and a federally apostilled FBI report.
• Study Abroad & Professional Credentialing — Universities and licensing boards abroad often request apostilled diplomas, transcripts, registrar letters, and sometimes notarized/apostilled employment or licensure confirmations.
• Marriage Abroad — Civil registries commonly require apostilled birth/marriage records plus a notarized/apostilled single-status affidavit (“no impediment”).
• International Adoption — Dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical/financial affidavits, and apostilled vital records.
• Dual Citizenship — Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish programs frequently require multi-generational Washington records with apostilles and certified translations.
• Business & Banking Overseas — Foreign registries and banks may require apostilled Certificates of Existence/Status, certified filings, and board resolutions to open accounts or qualify entities abroad.
• Property & Estates — Apostilled probate records, wills, and death certificates are used to administer estates or transfer property outside the U.S.
• Maritime/Ports/Trade — Seafarer credentials, corporate authorizations for shipping registries, and supply-chain compliance packets may require apostilled notarizations and corporate records.

DIY vs. Expedited Service

Factor	DIY Mail-In	Our Expedited Service
Timeline	4–6+ weeks; mail & queue delays possible	Same-day/24-hour possible with readiness
Risk of Rejection	Higher — wrong copy, stale issuance, incomplete notary wording	Lower — expert pre-check, destination-specific guidance
Visibility	Limited once mailed; course-correction is slow	Proactive updates; same-day scans for immediate use
Effort	You research, assemble, mail, and troubleshoot	We handle review, filing, monitoring, and delivery
Complexity	Consular legalizations & translation order on you	We manage Hague and non-Hague routes end-to-end
Best For	No deadlines; low-stakes uses	Fixed interviews, start dates, closings, admissions

Pricing & ETA

Document Readiness (Make It “Apostille-Ready”)

Fast results start with flawless paperwork. Washington will not apostille photocopies, uncertified vital records, or incomplete notary certificates.Use the standards below to avoid returns and re-queues.

Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

• Birth & Death: Obtain certified copies from the DOH — Center for Health Statistics or from authorized local offices issuing state-registrar certificates. Photocopies/scans are not acceptable.
• Marriage: Request a certified marriage certificate from the DOH or the County Auditor that recorded the marriage (e.g., King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Clark). Ensure the certification page and seal are present.
• Divorce: Order a certified decree from the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Some recipients want the full decree; others accept an abstract — ask before ordering.
• Freshness Window: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, request fresh copies shortly before filing.
• Do Not Alter: Keep staples intact; do not laminate or highlight; avoid tabs/sticky notes that can damage seals.

Court Orders (Name Change, Adoption, Probate, Guardianship)

• Certified by Clerk: The order must bear the court seal and a certification by the Superior Court Clerk.
• Complete Packet: Include every page referenced in the certification. Removing staples can invalidate the certification.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

• Washington Notary Required: The notarial act must be performed by a duly commissioned Washington notary public. Washington permits RON; verify the destination accepts it.
• Complete Certificate: Use a Washington acknowledgment or jurat with venue (State/County), date, printed notary name, signature, commission number/expiration, and stamp/embossing as applicable.
• Destination Wording: If the foreign authority requires specific notary language, bring it to the notary to avoid re-notarization.

Academic Records (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• Registrar Certification: Ask your school to issue a registrar letter attesting to the authenticity of the attached diploma/transcript, or to prepare a sealed packet addressed to the Washington Secretary of State.
• Sealed Envelopes: Do not open sealed registrar packets. The state must break the seal; opened packets are typically rejected.
• Name Variations: If your name changed (marriage/adoption), gather connecting records (and apostille them as needed).

Business Records (Articles, Existence/Status, Resolutions)

• State-Certified Copies: If a foreign bank/registry requests state certification, order certified copies or a Certificate of Existence/Status from theWashington Secretary of State — Corporations & Charities Division.
• Notarized Corporate Instruments: Resolutions, incumbency certificates, officer statements, and POAs should be notarized correctly in Washington if requested by the recipient.
• UBI/Name Consistency: Ensure your entity name and UBI number appear consistently across documents and translations to avoid rework at foreign registries.

Step-by-Step Process (Washington & Federal)

1. Identify the Issuer: Is your document state/local (Washington) or federal? Washington documents go to the Secretary of State; federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State.
2. Make It Ready: Gather certified vital/court copies, complete notary certificates, registrar letters, sealed packets, or state-certified corporate copies per category.
3. Choose the Route: Hague destination = apostille. Non-Hague = Washington authentication + consular legalization. Confirm the destination’s rules and any freshness window.
4. Submit: File in person in Olympia (fastest) or by mail if timing allows. Include correct fees and a clear return/shipping instruction sheet.
5. Monitor & Correct: If the office flags an issue (wrong copy, incomplete notary block), respond immediately to avoid returns and new queues.
6. Delivery: Receive same-day scans for immediate use; originals ship domestically or internationally per your preference.

“In Washington, speed comes from readiness: the right copy, the right certification, the right route. When those align, apostilles move quickly.”

Document Playbooks

Birth Certificate Apostille

A certified Washington birth certificate is frequently required for visas, dual citizenship, study abroad, and marriage abroad.Order a certified copy from the DOH — Center for Health Statistics or an authorized local issuing office. Hague destinations accept a one-page apostille; non-Hague destinations require a Washington authentication followed by consular legalization.If your recipient scrutinizes registrar signatures, request a copy bearing a current registrar signature on file with the Secretary of State.

Common uses: Long-stay visas (Spain/Portugal/Italy), citizenship by descent (Italy/Ireland/Poland/Portugal), civil marriages abroad, university admissions, professional licensing.

Marriage Certificate Apostille

Washington marriage certificates are often obtained from the County Auditor that recorded the license (e.g., King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Clark, Thurston) or from DOH.Request a certified copy with the correct certification page and seal. Many destinations also require a single-status affidavit (notarized and apostilled).If there was a prior marriage, an apostilled divorce decree is commonly required to prove capacity to marry.

Divorce Decree Apostille

Obtain a certified copy from the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.Ask whether your recipient needs the complete decree or will accept a short form/abstract. For remarriage abroad, expect to present both the apostilled divorce decree and — after the new ceremony is recorded — an apostilled new marriage certificate.

Death Certificate Apostille

Apostilled death certificates are used for estates, life insurance, and property transfers abroad. If letters testamentary/administration or probate orders are required, those items typically need their own apostilles.Confirm whether the foreign registry needs only the death certificate or a full probate packet (will + order + letters).

Diploma & Transcript Apostille

Institutions such as UW, WSU, Western/Eastern/Central Washington, Gonzaga, Seattle U, SPU, PLU, Whitman, and Whitworthtypically provide a registrar letter or a sealed packet addressed to the Secretary of State. Do not open sealed envelopes; opened packets are generally rejected and must be reissued.For professional licensing abroad (e.g., nursing, engineering, teaching), confirm whether notarized experience letters or syllabi also need apostilles.

Notarized Documents (POA, Affidavits, Consents)

Ensure the notary block is Washington-compliant and complete. If your foreign authority dictates specific wording, bring that text to the notary.Common items: real-estate POAs (Spain/Portugal/Mexico), parental travel consents, translator affidavits, company authorization letters, employment confirmations, experience attestations, IP assignments, distributor declarations.If using RON, verify that your destination accepts remote online notarizations from Washington.

Corporate Documents

For foreign banking or corporate setup, expect requests for Articles/Certificate of Formation or Incorporation, a Certificate of Existence/Status, and a board resolution granting signatory authority.Some banks insist on state-certified copies; others accept properly notarized officer statements (then apostilled). Always obtain the recipient’s exact checklist to avoid rework.If your entity recently changed its name or merged, consider apostilling the amendment or merger certificate as well to satisfy the registry’s chain-of-title requirements.

FBI Background Check (Federal)

The FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State — not by the Washington Secretary of State.Many visa programs (Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil, South Korea) require this federal apostille alongside Washington apostilles for vital records.

Guide: How to Apostille an FBI Background Check.

Washington Use Cases & Scenarios

Immigration & Family Relocation

A family in Bellevue relocating to Lisbon might need apostilled DOH birth certificates for the children (state-registrar copies), an apostilled King County marriage certificate,and federally apostilled FBI reports for both parents. Schools abroad may also request an apostilled enrollment letter or a notarized vaccination affidavit (then apostilled).Watch the 60–90 day issuance windows that civil registries often enforce.

Study & Work Abroad

A graduate from UW or WSU heading to Milan or Madrid could be asked for an apostilled diploma and transcript, a notarized/apostilled scholarship letter, and a federally apostilled FBI check.Italy and Spain frequently require certified translations — confirm whether to translate after apostille or to use a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.

Marriage Abroad

A couple from Spokane marrying in Florence or Tulum may need fresh apostilled birth certificates, an apostilled single-status affidavit (notarized in Washington), and an apostilled divorce decree if applicable.Civil registries abroad often enforce 90-day issuance windows; plan your record orders accordingly.

Adoption

Adoption dossiers typically include apostilled court orders, notarized medical and financial statements, employment letters, and apostilled vital records.For non-Hague countries, expect the two-step Washington authentication + consulate legalization route; sequencing and courier planning matter.

Dual Citizenship

Italian, Irish, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish citizenship by descent usually requires multiple generations of Washington records — each apostilled — plus certified translations.Build the family chain first, then apostille in coordinated batches so issuance dates align and remain “fresh.”

Maritime, Ports & Aerospace

Ship registry filings, seafarer documents, and port compliance packets may require apostilled corporate resolutions and notarized declarations.Aerospace suppliers working cross-border may need apostilled quality attestations, POAs for program authorities, or technical certifications for tenders.

Counties, Cities & Campuses Served

We serve all of Washington State, including but not limited to:

• Counties (examples): King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Clark, Thurston, Kitsap, Yakima, Whatcom, Skagit, Benton, Franklin, Cowlitz, Grant, Chelan, Douglas, Walla Walla, Island, Jefferson, Clallam, Mason, Lewis, Kittitas, Whitman, Stevens, Pacific, Grays Harbor, Asotin, Okanogan, San Juan, Ferry, Klickitat, Wahkiakum, Pend Oreille, Columbia, Garfield, Lincoln, Adams.
• Cities/Towns: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Spokane Valley, Federal Way, Bellingham, Kirkland, Kennewick, Auburn, Pasco, Marysville, Redmond, Sammamish, Lacey, Olympia, Edmonds, Puyallup, Bremerton, Richland, Shoreline, Burien, Lakewood, Bothell, Wenatchee, Mount Vernon, Pullman, Ellensburg, Walla Walla, Yakima.
• Universities & Colleges (examples): University of Washington (Seattle/Bothell/Tacoma), Washington State University (Pullman/Tri-Cities/Vancouver/Everett/Spokane), Western Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Gonzaga University, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College, Whitworth University, University of Puget Sound, Bellevue College, North Seattle College, Highline College, Green River College, Spokane Community Colleges.

Hague vs. Non-Hague Destinations

Hague member countries accept an apostille; non-Hague countries require a Washington authentication plus consular legalization.The route influences translation sequencing and appointment lead times at consulates.

• Hague Countries (examples): Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand.
• Non-Hague Countries (examples): China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Vietnam, Egypt, Kuwait. These typically require Washington authentication followed by consulate legalization.

We handle both pathways and provide same-day scans immediately after the state step so you can schedule consulates or upload to portals while originals are in transit.

Timelines, Dependencies & Risks

DIY by Mail: Budget 4–6+ weeks, including mailing time, agency queues, and potential returns for corrections. If you have fixed travel dates, closings, start dates, or interviews, mail-in can be risky unless you begin early.

In-Person Filing: With complete readiness, many Washington apostilles finish in 24 hours or less.Pre-checking certification types, seals, registrar letters, and notary language is the best defense against delays.

Federal Track (FBI): The U.S. Department of State apostille process is separate from Washington’s. Run state and federal tracks in parallel when timing is tight.

Translations & Consulates: Sworn translations and consular legalizations add time. Confirm whether translations follow the apostille or require a translator affidavit (notarized and then apostilled).

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending federal documents to Olympia: FBI, IRS, USDA/FDA/NOAA, and SSA letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State — not by the Washington Secretary of State.
• Submitting photocopies: Apostilles attach to certified copies or properly notarized originals — never to plain copies or scans.
• Incomplete notarization: Missing venue, incomplete certificate wording, no printed notary name, absent commission details, or missing stamp will trigger rejection.
• Opening sealed registrar packets: Don’t open them. If opened, obtain a new sealed packet from the school.
• Old vital records: If the recipient requires issuance within 60–90 days, order fresh copies before filing.
• Wrong translation order: Clarify whether translations come after the apostille or via a translator affidavit that itself is notarized and apostilled.
• Name/UBI mismatches: For corporate filings, ensure the entity name matches exactly across certificates, resolutions, and translations.
• Late starts: Embassy appointment backlogs and translation queues can add weeks. Start early or use expedited help.

Readiness Checklist

• Is the document state/local (Washington) or federal?
• Do you have a certified copy (vital/court) or a properly notarized original (affidavit/POA)?
• For school records, did the registrar prepare a sealed packet or provide a signed registrar letter?
• For corporate records, do you have state-certified copies or notarized resolutions/officer statements?
• Is your destination Hague (apostille) or non-Hague (authentication + consular legalization)?
• Does the recipient require a freshness window (often 60–90 days)?
• Do you need translations, and what is the proper sequence relative to the apostille?
• What is your deadline (visa interview, start date, closing, enrollment)?
• Will same-day scans let you begin downstream steps while originals ship?

FAQ

Who issues Washington apostilles?

The Washington Secretary of State — Apostilles & Notarial Program (Olympia) issues apostilles and authentications for Washington documents.

Do I need a county pre-certification step?

Generally no. Washington authenticates state officials, county auditors, court clerks, school registrars, and notaries directly. The key is obtaining the correct certified copy or a proper notarization.

Can Washington apostille my FBI background check?

No. FBI background checks are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

How fast can Washington apostilles be completed?

Mail-in often takes 4–6+ weeks. With readiness and in-person filing, same-day or 24-hour results are frequently achievable.

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille doesn’t expire, but many consulates, schools, and banks require recent issuance of both the record and the apostille (commonly within 60–90 days).

Is shipping required?

No. We provide same-day scans. U.S. shipping of originals is optional ($20); international shipping available by quote.

Can you handle non-Hague legalizations?

Yes. We manage the Washington authentication and coordinate consulate legalization, including guidance on translation order and acceptable formats.

What if my notarized document was signed in another state?

Each state apostilles its own documents. An Oregon- or Idaho-notarized affidavit must be apostilled in that state, not in Washington.

What if my name changed after my document was issued?

You may need apostilled supporting records (e.g., marriage certificate, name-change order) to connect identities for the recipient abroad.

Can I remove staples or add tabs?

No. Do not alter official packets. Removing staples, adding tabs, or highlighting can invalidate certifications.

Are you a government office?

No. We are experts in Washington and federal filings, but we are not a government agency.

Related Guides

• Birth Certificate Apostille
• Marriage Certificate Apostille
• Divorce Decree Apostille
• Death Certificate Apostille
• Academic Diplomas & Transcripts Apostille
• FBI Background Check Apostille (Federal)
• Power of Attorney & Notarized Documents Apostille

Disclaimer: Requirements and timelines reflect common practices of the Washington Secretary of State, Washington courts and agencies, and the U.S. Department of State but may change without notice. Always verify destination-country preferences for issuance dates, translations, and consular steps.