Federal Document Apostille Los Angeles
Apostille and authentication service for U.S. federal documents. We help Los Angeles clients get FBI background checks, Social Security letters, IRS letters, and other federal records authenticated through the U.S. Department of State for use overseas.
Help with FBI, Social Security, IRS, and other federal document apostilles
When a foreign authority needs proof from a U.S. federal agency—such as your FBI background check, Social Security benefits, or IRS status—they often require authentication or an apostille issued through the U.S. Department of State.
We help clients across Los Angeles confirm whether their FBI reports, Social Security letters, IRS letters, immigration records, and other federal documents are in the right format for U.S. Department of State authentication or apostille and coordinate the process so the paperwork is accepted the first time. You do not have to guess which agency to contact or which form to use.
Before you schedule, we review a copy of your document, your destination country, and any instructions from foreign consulates, employers, or attorneys so you know exactly what is required.
Federal document apostille guides:
- FBI background check apostille – Identity History Summary for visas and work permits
- Federal court documents apostille – U.S. District Court judgments and orders
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) apostille – FS-240 for dual citizenship
- Consular Report of Death Abroad apostille – for estates and insurance claims
- USCIS naturalization & name change apostille – citizenship certificates
- National Archives (NARA) apostille – historical and federal archive records
For an overview of all document types and countries we handle, visit our apostille services page.
Experience with federal records for overseas use
- Handle authentications and apostilles for U.S. federal documents such as FBI background checks, Social Security Administration letters, IRS letters, and other agency records used abroad.
- Review your document to confirm it is an original or certified federal record, and advise when you must request a new copy directly from the issuing agency before authentication.
- Guidance when foreign governments, employers, or schools request specific wording, seals, or translations alongside the U.S. Department of State authentication or apostille.
- Clear explanations of timelines and fees, including when federal processing times are longer than state-level apostilles, so you can plan around visa, work, or residency deadlines.
Recent clients have used our federal document apostille service for long‑term visas, work permits, dual citizenship, foreign pensions and benefits, and professional licensing that relies on U.S. federal records.
How federal document apostille service works
1. We review your federal document and destination requirements.
You can email a scan of your FBI report, Social Security letter, IRS letter, or other federal document along with any instructions from the foreign authority. We confirm whether it is a true federal record and whether it needs authentication or apostille through the U.S. Department of State.
2. We help you obtain the correct federal copy or certification, if needed.
If your document is a printout, missing an official seal, or not issued in the proper format, we explain how to request a new copy directly from the FBI, SSA, IRS, or other agency so it is acceptable for federal authentication or apostille.
3. We coordinate the federal authentication or apostille and return your documents.
Once the correct federal document is ready, we coordinate the authentication or apostille process and arrange secure delivery back to you or directly to your attorney, employer, or consulate abroad when appropriate.
Processing times and fees for federal documents depend on the issuing agency and the U.S. Department of State's current workload. We outline realistic timelines in advance so you know whether standard or faster options are available for your situation.
Common U.S. federal documents Los Angeles clients use overseas
FBI background checks and identity history summaries
Many foreign immigration and work‑permit processes require an FBI background check with federal authentication or apostille. We help you confirm whether your report comes directly from the FBI or an approved channeler and what steps are needed for use abroad.
Social Security and federal benefit letters
Some foreign pension offices, tax authorities, or consulates request proof of U.S. Social Security benefits or federal income. We review your SSA or other benefit letters and explain how to prepare them for authentication or apostille.
IRS residency and tax letters
For tax treaties and foreign bank or investment requirements, you may need IRS letters confirming your U.S. residency or tax status. We help you determine which IRS document is needed and how to have it authenticated or apostilled correctly.
USCIS and naturalization records
Certificates of naturalization, citizenship, and USCIS name changes often need federal apostille for dual citizenship or foreign legal matters. See our USCIS apostille page for details.
Other federal agency records
Depending on your case, you may need records from the Department of Homeland Security, USDA, FDA, or other federal agencies. We review the foreign instructions and explain whether your document can go directly to the U.S. Department of State or needs an intermediate step.
Questions about apostilling U.S. federal documents
What is the difference between a state apostille and a federal apostille?
State apostilles are issued for documents such as vital records, court orders, and notarized documents that are issued or notarized within a state. Federal documents, such as FBI reports or Social Security letters, are authenticated or apostilled at the U.S. Department of State instead of through a state office.
Do I send my federal document to the state or to the U.S. Department of State?
True federal records must usually be authenticated or apostilled through the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications, not a state apostille office. We help you confirm which path applies to your document before you mail anything.
Can federal documents be notarized instead and processed at the state level?
In some situations, a notarized statement about federal information can be apostilled at the state level, but many foreign authorities specifically require original or certified federal documents with federal authentication. We explain the pros and cons for your particular case.
How long does it take to apostille federal documents?
Federal authentication and apostille processing times can be longer than state apostilles and vary throughout the year. We review your deadline and discuss current timing estimates so you can decide whether to proceed and how early to start.
Do all countries require an apostille for federal documents?
Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention typically require an apostille for U.S. public documents. For non‑member countries, you may need additional embassy or consular legalization after U.S. Department of State authentication. We help you understand the path based on your destination country.
Share a few details and get a clear plan
You can call, text, or send a copy of your federal documents so we can confirm what is needed and outline a realistic authentication or apostille timeline before you book.
When you contact us, it helps to include:
- Which federal agency issued your document (for example, FBI, SSA, IRS, USCIS).
- The country where the document will be used and any written instructions you received.
- Your deadline and whether you are in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Orange, or Ventura County.
We will confirm fees, any agency or consular requirements, mailing or courier options, and the expected authentication or apostille timeline before finalizing your appointment.
For an overview of all document types and countries we handle, visit our apostille services page or return to mobile notary and apostille services in Los Angeles.