How to Notarize and Authenticate Documents for the District of Columbia Secretary of State? 518-956-5673

Self-Service Guide for District of Columbia Secretary of State Authentication/Apostille 518-956-5673

The Secretary of State offers two types of authentication: Apostille and Certificate of Authentication. An Apostille, also known as "Hague Authentication," is only valid within member countries of the Hague Convention. Since Chinese consulates are currently not part of the "Hague Convention member states," documents submitted to Chinese consulates in the U.S. must use a "Certificate of Authentication."

If you don't have time to handle it yourself, you can contact CHV for agency services at 518-956-5673 (US). We provide notarization and authentication services for personal or corporate documents from all 50 U.S. states, including consular three-level authentication or Hague Apostille. Expedited processing is available, with completion in as fast as 3 business days.

In-Person or Mail-in Processing:

Office of the Secretary
Office of Notary Commissions & Authentications
Room 810S, 441 4th Street NW
441 4th Street NW, Room 810S
Washington, DC 20001

Fee: $15 per document for Hague Apostille, payable to the "District of Columbia Treasurer."
Processing Time: Same-day for counter service; 5-8 days for mail-in orders.
Website: http://os.dc.gov/service/authentications

Reminders for District of Columbia Authentication/Apostille Processing 518-956-5673

Obtain an Apostille or Authentication from the District of Columbia Secretary of State.

Documents commonly authenticated or apostilled in Washington D.C. include: birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates; articles of incorporation; corporate bylaws; powers of attorney; diplomas; and transcripts.