Confirm the receiving requirements, obtain an eligible original or certified copy, create an order, and follow the case-specific mailing instructions. Eligible DC signatures generally use DC ONCA.
Washington, DC Apostille questions
We assist with Apostille processing in accordance with the current requirements of the document's issuing state and the competent U.S. authority. Government departments, schools, banks, courts, and other receiving institutions in China may have different requirements for the document version, translation, issue date, and supporting materials. Before ordering, confirm the specific requirements with the institution that will actually receive your document. We provide a complimentary Apostille format sample for advance review; the sample is for reference only, is not a valid certificate, and cannot replace an official Apostille issued by the competent U.S. authority.
The DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications handles eligible DC signatures. It does not handle federal or out-of-state documents.
No. The document origin and signature control the path. Federal and FBI records use the U.S. Department of State; Maryland, Virginia, and other-state records return to their jurisdiction.
No. ONCA authenticates eligible signatures but does not provide notarization.
Eligible FBI Identity History Summary results generally use the U.S. Department of State—not DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
Maryland generally requires Circuit Court Clerk certification in the county where the notary is commissioned before Secretary of State certification.
No. Eligible federal and FBI documents use the U.S. Department of State.
Since November 7, 2023, many eligible U.S. public documents for mainland China use an Apostille instead of the former consular chain. Confirm with the recipient.
The receiving institution decides whether a translation is required, who may translate it, and whether the translation needs separate notarization or authentication.
Current service estimates are about two weeks, one week, or three days after complete eligible documents arrive. Government and shipping timing can change.
Private service fees are $200, $280, or $380 per document, plus a flat $25 return-shipping fee per order. Government and third-party fees are separate.
No. It authenticates the origin of a signature or seal; it does not certify content or guarantee acceptance.
No. Create an order first and use only the case-specific mailing instructions shown in your account.
No. Apostille for China is a private document-assistance service and is not affiliated with any government, court, embassy, consulate, or university.