Washington, DC
Federal Marriage Record Apostille in Washington, DC
How Washington residents get their Federal Marriage Record authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, the local details, timing and price.
Quick answer
Most federal marriage record holders in Washington actually have a Washington, D.C. state record, which goes to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia. Only genuinely federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
- County
- District of Columbia
- Federal court
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- State apostille office
- Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia, Washington
- Our nearest office
- Washington, D.C. (headquarters)
Married in Washington, D.C.? It’s probably a state record
Marriage certificates issued by a Washington, D.C. county clerk or the state vital records office are state documents, apostilled by the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia in Washington — not by the U.S. Department of State. Only consular or federally issued marriage records take the federal route.
Send us a photo before ordering and we’ll tell you which route yours takes.
Washington: the local details
Washington is in District of Columbia, within the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. state documents are apostilled by the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia in Washington.
About the Federal Marriage Record
How to apostille a federally issued or consular marriage record for spousal visas and foreign registration.
Getting it done from Washington
Our Washington, D.C. (headquarters) office serves Washington directly, and most clients still send documents by mail.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Federal Marriage Record in Washington — FAQ
Is there an apostille office in Washington for a Federal Marriage Record?
State-issued versions go to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia in Washington; federal versions go to the U.S. Department of State.
Do I need to visit an office in Washington?
No. Washington clients send documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Washington?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Which federal court covers Washington?
Washington is in District of Columbia, within the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Related: All documents in Washington · Federal Marriage Record in Washington, D.C. · Federal Marriage Record — full guide
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