Federal Apostille Services
FBI Apostille · Federal Records · Non-Hague Authentication · Embassy Legalization
Maryland Mobile Notary Express helps with courier runs and document preparation for federal apostille and authentication through the U.S. Department of State. Federal service is for documents issued by a U.S. federal agency, including FBI background checks, Social Security letters, federal records, and VA benefit letters.
U.S. Department of State — Federal Apostille & Authentication
Federal apostille services are for documents issued by a U.S. federal agency. DC-issued documents and Maryland state documents use different apostille offices.
FBI Background Checks
FBI identity history summaries and FBI background checks for international use.
Federal Records
Documents issued by federal agencies that need U.S. Department of State certification.
Non-Hague Authentication
Authentication for countries that may require embassy or consular legalization after the federal step.
Social Security Letters
Social Security Administration letters and other federal benefit letters for foreign use.
VA (Veterans Affairs Benefit Letter)
VA benefit verification letters and other qualifying Veterans Affairs documents.
VA Benefits Letter Signature Required
VA Benefits Letters must be signed. The letter must include the signature, name, and title of the VA official on the letter.
Authentications will not process without the proper signature.
For help with VA letters, call the MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).
VA records website: https://www.va.gov/records/
Not sure whether your document is federal?
Send a clear photo or PDF before ordering. We can help confirm whether your document belongs with the U.S. Department of State, a state apostille office, or the DC apostille office.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
If your destination country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is usually 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.
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.
Non-Hague country examples
Non-Hague countries may include Vietnam, Cuba, and other countries where documents may require federal authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization. Not sure which process applies? We can verify the destination country and guide you through the correct steps before you submit your documents.
How Federal Apostille & Authentication Works
Federal Apostille Services — 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 through the federal process 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.
We review the use and country before recommending the next step
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 can help coordinate apostille services with certified translation when needed.
Learn About Certified TranslationsNeed Federal Apostille Services?
Contact Maryland Mobile Notary Express for FBI apostilles, Social Security letters, federal records, VA benefit letters, and non-Hague authentication support.