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    How-To Guide

    State vs Federal Apostille

    Understanding whether you need a state or federal apostille is the first step in getting your documents authenticated. The issuing authority of your document determines which type you need.

    Standard

    2–3 business days

    Rush

    Same-day service

    Federal

    7–10 business days

    State Apostilles
    Issued by the Missouri Secretary of State

    Birth certificates
    Marriage certificates
    Death certificates
    Divorce decrees
    Court documents and judgments
    Notarized documents (when notary is commissioned in Missouri)
    Corporate documents filed with the state
    Educational transcripts from state institutions
    Submit documents directly to the Missouri Secretary of State in Jefferson City. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days for standard service.

    Federal Apostilles
    Issued by the U.S. Department of State

    FBI background checks
    USCIS documents
    Federal court documents
    Patent and trademark certificates
    Documents notarized by a federal notary
    Military records
    Social Security letters (when authenticated)
    Submit documents to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.

    Key Difference: Who Issued the Document?

    The simple rule: If a state agency issued it, get a state apostille. If a federal agency issued it, get a federal apostille. Notarized documents follow the notary's commission—Missouri notaries require Missouri state apostilles.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    ✗Sending state documents to the federal office (they'll be returned)
    ✗Assuming all educational documents are state-level
    ✗Forgetting that FBI background checks always require federal apostille
    ✗Not checking notary commission location for notarized documents

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