Virginia Apostille: Fees, Processing Time & How to Order (2026)
Virginia apostilles are issued by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth for $10 per document. Mail orders take about 5–10 business days; no counter service — mail only is available — no counter service; mail-based in richmond.. Documents headed to a non-Hague country need authentication and embassy legalization instead of an apostille.
| Government fee | $10 per document |
|---|---|
| Competent authority | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| Mail processing | 5–10 business days |
| Counter option | no counter service — mail only — No counter service; mail-based in Richmond. |
| County pre-certification | Not required |
| Payment | check, money order |
| Official page | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth → |
Check your exact Virginia steps
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Step-by-step: order a Virginia apostille by mail
- Get the right certified copy. Virginia vital records come from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
- Prepare a cover sheet. Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources.
- Add payment. Pay $10 per document by check or money order, payable to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Include a return envelope. Add a prepaid, trackable return envelope so your apostille comes back safely.
- Mail it to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth and keep your tracking number. Mail turnaround is about 5–10 business days.
Walk-in / same-day option
Virginia does not offer counter service. Mail is the only route, so build the 5–10 business days turnaround into your timeline. If you are in a hurry, ask whether an expedite option exists.
Which documents can Virginia apostille?
These are state-issued documents. Each guide covers the exact copy type and steps for that document in Virginia.
| Birth certificate | A certified copy of a birth record, apostilled by the issuing state for use abroad. |
| Diploma / degree certificate | A diploma, typically notarized, apostilled for work or teaching abroad. |
| Marriage certificate | A certified marriage record apostilled by the state that recorded it. |
| Power of attorney | A notarized power of attorney apostilled for property or banking acts abroad. |
| Single status affidavit | A sworn affidavit of no marriage record, apostilled — a near-universal foreign-marriage requirement. |
| Notarized document | Any notarized document (consent letters, copies, statements) apostilled by the state. |
| Academic transcript | A sealed or notarized transcript apostilled for foreign admission or credential evaluation. |
| Death certificate | A certified death record apostilled for foreign probate, insurance, or repatriation. |
| State police / background check | A state criminal-history record apostilled when an FBI check is not demanded. |
| Corporate documents | Articles, good-standing certificates, and resolutions apostilled for foreign business use. |
| Divorce decree / judgment | A court-certified divorce judgment apostilled for remarriage or status proof abroad. |
| Adoption documents / home study | Court-certified or notarized adoption paperwork apostilled for intercountry adoption. |
| Certified translation + affidavit | A translator's notarized affidavit apostilled to accompany a translated document. |
Federal documents are different
Some documents never go to Virginia. FBI background checks, IRS letters (like Form 6166), and naturalization certificates are federal — they go only to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications, at $20 per document. If you hold one of these, start at the federal channel guide instead.
Going to a non-Hague country?
If your destination is not a Hague Apostille Convention member, an apostille is not enough. You need the Virginia authority's certification, then US Department of State authentication, then embassy legalization. Use the Country Checker to see your destination's chain, or read apostille vs. authentication.
Common rejection reasons in Virginia
- Submitting a photocopy or a hospital souvenir certificate instead of a certified copy.
- Wrong or missing payment — Virginia expects check or money order payable to the authority.
- No return envelope, or an untracked one, which stalls the whole order.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does an apostille cost in Virginia?
The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth charges $10 per document. That is the government fee only — you pay separately for the certified copy and return shipping. Federal documents cost $20 at the US Department of State instead.
＋How long does a Virginia apostille take?
Mail processing runs about 5–10 business days. There is no counter service, so mail is the only option.
＋Can I get a Virginia apostille in person?
No. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth does not offer counter service; you must mail your documents.
＋Does an old birth certificate still work for a Virginia apostille?
Age is usually fine as long as it is a current certified copy with the registrar's seal. Virginia vital records come from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
＋Do notarized documents need extra steps in Virginia?
No. Virginia apostilles notarized documents directly — there is no county-clerk pre-certification step.
Neighboring states
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.