Short answer. The Office of the Secretary, Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) issues apostilles here for $15 per document, by mail and in person. Usually 2 to 3 business days.
Rather not deal with the office yourself? MCC Solutions handles apostilles for documents from the area and every other state: we check the document, take care of any county step, submit it and ship it back to you, and we quote the price before any work starts. Request an apostille.
At a glance
- Issuing office
- Office of the Secretary, Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) Official page
- Fee
- $15 per document.
- How to submit
- By mail with the request form, or in person 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, with no appointment needed.
- Processing time
- Usually 2 to 3 business days.
- Request form
- Authentication Service Request Form Open it
- Mailing address
- 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 8100, Washington, DC 20002
What each document needs first
- Notarized documents
- Notarized by a District of Columbia notary, or certified by a department head.
- Court records
- Provide the certified copy from the court.
Checklist by document
- Vital record: county step not confirmed, 2 steps not confirmed
- Notarized document: county step not confirmed, 1 step not confirmed
- Court record: county step not confirmed, 1 step not confirmed
- FBI background check: no county step first
- School record: county step not confirmed, 2 steps not confirmed
Worth knowing
ONCA can't authenticate most federal documents; those go to the U.S. Department of State.
Signing a power of attorney, affidavit or consent for use abroad? The online notary and apostille package, or check whether your country needs an apostille or legalization.
MCC Solutions handles New Jersey apostilles, and our guide explains how to get an apostille in New Jersey. For other states, this page lists the office's own process.
Official sources
- Authentications Frequently Asked Questions, DC Office of the Secretary (checked November 2026)
- Authentication Service Request Form (FY26), DC Office of the Secretary (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice. Use the office's own request form where it has one. Federal records, including FBI checks, go to the U.S. Department of State, and a destination outside the Hague Convention also needs embassy legalization.
Common questions
Who issues apostilles in District of Columbia?
The Office of the Secretary, Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA). $15 per document.
Can a notarized document from District of Columbia be apostilled directly?
Notarized by a District of Columbia notary, or certified by a department head.
How long does an apostille take in District of Columbia?
Usually 2 to 3 business days. Allow extra time for mail and for any certified copy you still need to order.
Can I get a District of Columbia apostille in person or online?
By mail with the request form, or in person 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, with no appointment needed.
What about a District of Columbia court record?
Provide the certified copy from the court.
All states: how to get an apostille in each state · Delaware · Florida