How Long Does It Take to Get an Apostille in the U.S. in 2025?

Whether you’re sending documents abroad for work, study, legal matters, or family reasons, getting an apostille is a crucial step. But one of the most common and important – questions we hear at EZ Apostille is: How long does it actually take to get an apostille in the U.S.?

The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of document, the state or federal authority involved, and how you’re submitting your request. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain the different timelines, potential delays, and how to expedite the process with professional help.

What Affects Apostille Processing Time in the U.S.?

Apostille processing time in the U.S. can range from same-day service to several weeks, depending on where and how the documents are submitted. In general, turnaround times depend on:

• Whether the apostille is issued at the state or federal level
• The state’s internal processing speed (varies greatly)
• Method of submission: in-person, mail, or courier
• Volume of requests at the time (e.g. summer and holiday peaks)
• Whether the documents are properly prepared

Each U.S. state has its own Secretary of State office that handles apostilles for state-issued documents like birth certificates, diplomas, and notarized letters. In contrast, federal documents (like those from the IRS or FBI) must go through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

State Apostille Timelines (2025)

How Long It Takes to Get an Apostille from State Authorities

For most U.S. states, apostille processing takes 3 to 10 business days if submitted by mail. Some states offer walk-in or expedited options, while others have limited staff and longer backlogs.

Estimated state processing times in 2025:

• California: 5–10 business days by mail; same-day for walk-in (by appointment)
• New York: 4–7 business days
• Texas: 4–8 business days
• Florida: 5–9 business days
• Illinois: 7–10 business days
• Nevada: 3–5 business days

These are estimates, and actual times may vary depending on demand and staffing. Always check your state’s Secretary of State website for current timelines, such as California’s Apostille Information or New York Department of State.

How to Speed Up the Process at the State Level

Speeding up the apostille process at the state level starts with preparation. The most important factor is submitting properly certified documents –such as a certified birth certificate or notarized affidavit – issued in the same state where you’re requesting the apostille. Each Secretary of State has unique requirements, and even a small oversight like using an uncertified copy or omitting a required form can cause delays. It’s also important to confirm whether your state offers expedited processing or walk-in services, as some allow for same-day turnaround by appointment.

Another effective way to speed up the process is by working with a professional service like EZ Apostille. Our team is experienced in handling state-level apostille submissions across all 50 states. We ensure your documents are pre-checked, packaged correctly, and delivered via the fastest method available. By avoiding common mistakes and streamlining communication with state offices, we can help you receive your apostille in a fraction of the typical wait time.

Federal Apostille Timelines (U.S. Department of State)

How Long It Takes to Apostille a Federal Document

If you’re apostilling a document issued by a federal agency – such as an FBI background check, IRS Form 6166, or FDA certificate –it must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications.

As of 2025, the average processing time is:

• 6–8 weeks by mail
• 4–6 weeks via courier or priority submission

You can check the current federal authentication status at the U.S. Department of State website.

“Many people are surprised by how long federal apostilles take compared to state-level ones. Planning ahead is essential –especially for time-sensitive international matters.”
— EZ Apostille Documentation Team

What Can Delay Your Apostille Request?

Apostille requests can be delayed for a variety of reasons – many of which are completely avoidable with careful preparation. One of the most common causes is submitting documents that aren’t properly certified or are damaged in some way. For example, photocopies, scans, or documents without the appropriate seals or signatures will almost always be rejected. Another issue is submitting outdated forms or omitting essential information, such as the country where the apostille will be used. These errors may seem small but often result in significant processing setbacks.

Delays also occur when fees are missing or paid incorrectly, or when return shipping is not properly arranged. Some applicants forget to include a prepaid, trackable envelope, which slows the return process. Processing can be further delayed if your paperwork is submitted to the wrong office – state documents must go to the appropriate Secretary of State, while federal documents must be sent to the U.S. Department of State. To avoid these problems, it’s wise to use a trusted provider like EZ Apostille, who can verify all documents before submission and ensure everything is routed correctly from the beginning.

How EZ Apostille Can Help You Save Time

Navigating the apostille process on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating –especially when dealing with tight deadlines or unfamiliar state and federal requirements. At EZ Apostille, we help eliminate the guesswork by managing every step for you, from document review to delivery. Our team understands the nuances of each state’s procedures, and we know how to avoid common errors that lead to rejection or delay.

By working directly with government offices and using secure, trackable courier services, we reduce processing times and ensure your documents are handled efficiently. We also offer expedited options in many states and assist with federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State. Whether you need one document or several, we provide reliable, expert support to help you meet your timeline and avoid unnecessary stress. With EZ Apostille, you can feel confident that your paperwork will be processed correctly – the first time.

Quick Overview: Apostille Time Estimates

Here’s a quick summary of typical apostille turnaround times in 2025:

State-Issued Documents:

• Standard processing: 3–10 business days
• Expedited (with courier or in-person): 1–3 business days (where available)

Federal Documents (U.S. Department of State):

• Standard mail-in: 6–8 weeks
• Courier or professional service: 4–6 weeks

For urgent needs, expedited services can significantly shorten the timeline.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Apostille Faster

The time it takes to get an apostille in the U.S. varies by state, document type, and method of submission. While some requests are processed in just a few days, others – especially at the federal level – can take weeks. That’s why it’s essential to start early, prepare carefully, and get expert help when needed.Want to skip the stress and get your documents processed quickly? Contact the EZ Apostille team today and let us handle the details while you focus on what matters most.