When submitting your request by mail or in person, you must include:

1. Form DS-4194. Be sure to list the country in which you will use the document.
2. The document(s) requiring authentication services
3. Fees. Authentications fees are $20 per document for all services.
   • If you are mailing your request, pay by check or money order. We cannot accept temporary, starter, or bank fill-in checks. All check numbers must be over 100 and dated within the last six months. Make your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State.
   • If you are requesting services in person, pay by credit or debit card when you submit your request.     

Reminders

• If you are mailing or dropping off your request, include one self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return of your document. Use USPS or UPS. Please do not use FedEx. 
• Check if you need an authentication certificate or an apostille. Review the certification requirements for your documents.

If you are traveling in over three weeks, mail your form, fees, and documents to:

Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA  20166-1206

Use trackable mail from USPS.

You will receive an update when your package arrives in the Sterling, VA postal facility. You will not receive an update when the package arrives at our office in Washington, DC. 

Call 202-485-8000 to make an appointment in our office at 600 19th Street NW in Washington, D.C. 

• On Mondays through Thursdays, we offer appointments from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and walk-in service from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. We do not offer appointments or walk-ins on Fridays. 
• You must pay for authentication services at your appointment or when you submit your request. 
• If you have urgent travel within 48 hours or a life-or-death emergency, you must have an appointment and show proof of travel. We will process your request on the same day as your appointment. 
• If you are traveling in the next two to three weeks, you can make an appointment or walk in to drop off your request. We will process your request in seven business days.

If you have urgent travel, bring these documents to your appointment: 

• Proof of international travel within 48 hours such as an airline ticket showing proof of payment.
• If you have a life-or-death emergency, bring proof that an immediate family member has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury. Examples include a death certificate, statement from a mortuary, or letter from a hospital signed by a doctor.
• If the document is not in English, get it translated by a professional translator.