Federal Apostille Service

Need a document for use abroad? The correct apostille or authentication route depends on who issued or signed it and where it will be used. VIP Notary Services can discuss your document and available assistance before you send an original or commit to a deadline. A notary does not issue an apostille.

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Federal documents can require an apostille from the U.S. Department of State for use in a country that participates in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. A California-issued vital record or a California-notarized document generally follows a different route through the California Secretary of State. Before arranging help, identify the document’s issuing authority, the destination country, and the receiving organization’s exact requirements. Contact VIP Notary Services to ask what document-handling assistance is available and to confirm fees and timing.

What is a Federal Apostille Service?

An apostille authenticates an eligible public official’s signature, capacity and seal for use abroad; it does not certify that the document’s contents are true. The U.S. Department of State handles eligible documents signed by federal officials, U.S. consular officers and certain other listed officials. Examples on its current guidance include FBI background checks, federal court documents and some federal agency certifications.

Eligibility is document-specific. A U.S. passport, California birth certificate or privately prepared company document should not be assumed to qualify for a federal apostille merely because it will be used overseas. For a California birth or death certificate, or a document notarized by a California notary, check the California Secretary of State’s apostille instructions. For a document signed by a federal official, consult the U.S. Department of State’s federal apostille instructions. The Department of State warns not to notarize an original federal document before submitting it for its apostille process.

Our Federal Apostille Services

The issuing authority, destination country and receiving organization determine the route. VIP can discuss available document-handling assistance, but only the appropriate government authority issues an apostille or authentication certificate. Confirm VIP’s current scope, fees and timing before sending a document.

Federal documents

For a document signed by a federal official, consult the U.S. Department of State’s instructions. The original or certified copy, official signature and seal, issue date and destination can affect eligibility. Do not notarize an original federal document before submitting it for the federal apostille route.

California documents

California vital records and documents notarized by a California notary generally follow the California Secretary of State’s process, not the federal one. A privately prepared business document also should not be assumed to qualify as a federal document.

Countries outside the Hague Convention

A non-Hague destination may require an authentication certificate and additional consular steps. Requirements vary by document and receiving agency; embassy legalization is not automatically required in every case. Verify the route with the receiving authority before sending originals.

Deadlines and delivery

Government processing times and acceptance decisions belong to the issuing authority. VIP cannot guarantee an apostille, a government processing date, expedited treatment or acceptance abroad. Shipping faster does not necessarily accelerate government processing. Ask VIP what handling and delivery options are currently available for your document.

Service Areas We Cover

VIP’s mobile notary appointments are centered on Santa Monica and nearby Los Angeles communities. Apostille-related assistance may differ from an in-person notary appointment and depends on the document, issuing authority and current availability. Contact VIP with your location, document type, destination country and deadline to confirm what help is available, including any mail-in option, before sending an original.

Why Choose Our Federal Apostille Service?

Before choosing any document-handling service, confirm the exact government route and the receiving organization’s requirements. VIP can discuss its available assistance and provide a quote for the work it can perform. Ask who will hold the original, how it will be shipped or returned, what government fees apply, and which steps are outside VIP’s control. An apostille authenticates a public official’s signature or seal; it does not validate the document’s contents or guarantee acceptance abroad.

What our customers say about us

VIP Notary Services

5.0

Based on 145 reviews

review us on

Meredith Feldman

2 years ago

Vadim made this experience so easy! Everything was done quickly and efficiently and I would highly recommend his services.

Mary Ann Dennison

2 years ago

Wonderful service! I had to come to CA from Pennsylvania because my brother was very sick and in the hospital. I needed to have POA paperwork signed. They were able to do it very quickly and for an extremely reasonable price! Brigitte came to his hospital room. She was very sweet and personable. Thank you so much! 100% recommend!

Arlene N

2 years ago

Great prompt honest service from Valdim. I highly recommend for any notary service. Professional and convenient.

Fede B.

2 years ago

Excellent communication, great turnaround, and great price. Recommended A+.

Gii Burns-Agria

2 years ago

Vadim is very professional, very knowledgeable, efficient and communicative. Plus, hebwas willing to travel to us to conduct business. Highly recommend!

Brady

3 years ago

Have used Vadim a couple times now when I needed quick turnaround on apostille service. Great experience on both occasions. Quick, easy interactions and great communication throughout. A rarity in the official document game. Would recommend and will use again.

Ellen Zakharian

3 years ago

Highly recommended!!! Vadim’s service was incredible. I needed an urgent apostille completed out of state in Nevada, and Vadim was able to handle everything from A-Z within 48 hours. I was surprised by how fast and efficiently he completed everything. On top of that, he was extremely flexible and pleasant to work with. I will be using him as my permanent notary moving forward and encourage you all to do the same!!

Tom Kallay

4 years ago

If you want someone who is professional, responsive and reliable - use VIP Notary. Vadim was excellent throughout the entire process, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a mobile notary. You don't need to look any further.

Bryan Martinez

4 years ago

Vadim helped my firm out immensely with his flexibility. He was able to come to our offices on a holiday and he was very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend VIP Notary Services to anyone.

Annie Mitchell

4 years ago

If you’re looking for a mobile notary this is your place. I needed to schedule a fairly urgent document to be notarized and Vadim was on it. He answered the phone immediately when I called and scheduled me on the date that I requested. I wasn’t going to be present and he assured me there would be no issues. Everything was so seamless. He followed up with me immediately. Everything was so easy. I’m so glad he was the first place I tried. I would recommend him to anybody

Karina Tomayeva

4 years ago

Best Notary Service! Vadim is reliable, professional, and easy to work with. He's easy to reach (call or text). I've used his services twice now, and he's been amazing. You tell him what you want, need, and where, and he'll be there ready to go! Thank you, Vadim for all your help.

Tim Rundle

4 years ago

Vadim always does what he says he will do, no small thing these days. He is very knowledgeable and always goes the extra mile to ensure you are satisfied. I highly recommend his services should you need a notary, VIP is a choice you will not regret!

Contact Us for Reliable Federal Apostille Services

Need help identifying the correct route for a document used abroad? Contact VIP Notary Services with the document type, issuing agency, destination country and required date. The team can confirm whether assistance is available, what it includes, and the fees and delivery options before you send an original. Only the appropriate government authority issues an apostille or authentication certificate.

Notarization Knowledgebase

Some Of The Most Frequently Asked Questions

Still have any questions? Contact us.

How long does the federal apostille process take?

Timing depends on the document, the issuing authority, current government processing and delivery. VIP cannot guarantee a federal apostille date or expedited government processing. If you have a deadline, confirm the latest official processing information and ask VIP what handling and shipping options are currently available before sending an original.

What is the difference between a federal and state apostille?

The appropriate authority depends on who issued or signed the document. California public-official and California-notary signatures generally follow the California Secretary of State’s apostille process. Eligible documents signed by federal officials follow the U.S. Department of State’s process. The destination country and receiving organization also determine whether an apostille or a different authentication route is needed.

Can I get an apostille for a document notarized in another state?

A document notarized by a notary commissioned in another U.S. state generally goes to that state’s designated apostille authority, not California’s. Check the receiving organization’s requirements and that state’s official instructions. A separate federal document may follow the U.S. Department of State’s process if it has an eligible federal official’s signature.

Do all countries accept apostilles?

An apostille is intended for use in a country participating in the Hague Apostille Convention. A non-Hague destination may require an authentication certificate and additional steps; the exact process varies by country, document and receiving agency. Check with that agency before requesting either route.

What documents require a federal apostille?

Examples of documents that may be eligible include FBI background checks, federal court documents and certain federal agency certifications bearing the appropriate official signature or seal. Eligibility is document-specific. A U.S. passport or state vital record should not be assumed to need—or qualify for—a federal apostille. Confirm the document and destination requirements against the U.S. Department of State’s current instructions.

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Santa Monica Mobile Notary Services

VIP Notary Services is committed to delivering exceptional public notary services. From handling escrow and loan document signing to providing Apostille services and notarizing different document types like acknowledgements, jurats/affidavits, oaths/affirmations, copy certification, signature witnessing, and real estate forms; we’re here to help!

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