Hey There, Apostille Facilitators
So, you’ve been tasked with obtaining an apostille for a federal document like an FBI background check. Don’t panic—it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds, especially if you know the steps or have the right help. Whether your client is preparing for an international move, a new job abroad, or another exciting opportunity, getting this process right is essential!
At Elite Documents, we’re just 15 minuts away from all the major federal government agencies and embassies in the Washington, D.C. area. This makes it easy for us to offer you exclusive, reliable drop-off and pick-up services. We understand how important it is to get things done quickly and accurately, which is why we take care of the logistics so you can focus on what matters most—serving your clients. Plus, with our discounted rates, you can add your own fees on top and still provide competitive pricing. Check out the services we offer below to see how we can help make your job easier!
How Elite Documents Facilitates FBI Report Apostiles /Authentication
Elite Documents steps in as your trusted partner to make the entire process stress-free. We personally handle the submission of the FBI report or other federal documents by walking them into the U.S. Department of State and picking them up within 7–9 days
Important Notes about FBI Reports:
- No Copies of Copies: Do not submit copies of photocopies. Only the original PDF (electronic) or the physical hard copy is acceptable.
- Providing the correct version ensures there are no delays in processing and guarantees that the U.S. Department of State will accept the document.
Let’s break down how we make this process seamless for you and your clients:
Step 1: Submitting the FBI Report
Whether your client has their FBI report in digital or hard copy form, follow these instructions to submit it to us for processing:
For PDF Versions of the FBI Report
If the FBI report is provided as a PDF (either by the FBI or an approved channeler), you can send it to us through the form below or via a secure transfer method.For Hard Copies of the FBI Report
If the client has a physical copy of the FBI report, it must be mailed to our address.
If your client needs guidance on obtaining an FBI background check, refer them to our blog post, FBI Identity HistorySummary, for a step-by-step guide.
Step 2: Drop-Off and Pick-Up Service
Once we confirm that we have the FBI background check or federal documents ready for processing, we handle the next steps for you with our reliable drop-off and pick-up service:
Document Delivery: We personally deliver your FBI report or federal documents to the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office in Washington, DC.
Pickup and Completion: Within 7–9 days, we retrieve the apostilled documents and ensure they are ready for your immediate use.
Important Notes About the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office
While we strive to provide a smooth and efficient service, please keep in mind the following factors that may impact processing times:
No Rush or Same-Day Service: The U.S. Department of State does not offer rush, same-day, or next-day serviceunless it is a life or death situation. In such cases, an original letter from a doctor is required, explaining the situation.
Document Limit: The U.S. Department of State enforces a 15-document-per-company daily limit. If the volume of documents exceeds this limit, some may not be processed until the next business day. We apologize for any delays this may cause and work diligently to process all documents as quickly as possible.
Holiday Closures: The office is closed for state and federal holidays, which can impact submission and pickup timelines.
Unexpected Closures: The office may close due to:
Fire alarms
Building maintenance or updates
Street closures or building closures due to safety concerns
Unexpected weather delays
Other unforeseen circumstances
Operating Hours: The U.S. Department of State Authentication Office in Washington, DC, is only open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM for drop-offs and pick-ups. They are not open on Fridays for submissions or retrievals.
Our Role as Your Trusted Carrier
At Elite Documents, we take pride in serving as your reliable carrier, handling the delivery and retrieval of your important documents with care and professionalism. Our goal is to simplify the process for you, ensuring efficiency and peace of mind every step of the way.
While we do our best to minimise delays and keep you informed throughout the process, please understand that certain factors, such as closures and policies, are outside our control.
Through our dedicated drop-off and pick-up service, we remain committed to making this experience as seamless as possible. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through any challenges to provide you with the best service possible.
Services We offer you so you can offer your client
Rate: $95 per document
Description: Includes drop-off and pick-up at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., for federal apostille or authentication services.
Turnaround Time:Typically 9-12 business days, depending on the Department of State’s processing times.
Rate: $95
Description: As you courier, we ensure the delivery and retrieval of your documents to and from the designated embassy. Please note:
Embassy Fees: You are responsible for confirming the required embassy fee and the method of payment they accept (e.g., cash, money order, or credit card).
- Copies and Identification: You are also required to provide all necessary copies and identification as specified by the embassy.
- Required Documents: It is your responsibility to ensure all documents required for submission are complete and provided to us for delivery.
- Additional Requirements: It is your responsibility to inquire with the embassy about any additional requirements, such as authorization letters or translations, that may be needed for the submission of your documents.
- Failure to provide complete and accurate documents or payments may result in additional trips to the embassy. Additional trips or submissions to embassies outside the Washington, D.C., jurisdiction will incur an extra $75 fee.
Turnaround Time: Varies based on the embassy’s processing schedule.
Rate: $95
Description: Includes drop-off and pick-up at the Department of Justice.
Turnaround Time: Approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Rate: $125
Description: Includes all associated commerce fees.
Turnaround Time: Varies based on processing times.
DHL shipping services are designed for efficiency and transparency, providing customers with up-to-date tracking information to monitor their shipments. Here’s an overview of key details:
- Tracking Information:
Tracking details are typically updated as soon as the shipment is processed and the tracking number is generated.
Updates occur at every significant step in the shipping process, from pick-up to delivery, allowing you to track progress in real-time. - Address Requirements:
All addresses must be provided in English characters to ensure accuracy and compliance with international standards.
Full address details, including towns, bureau districts, or other relevant subdivisions, should be included to avoid delivery delays. - Contact Information:
A valid phone number for the recipient is essential. This enables DHL to contact the recipient if there are any issues or questions about the delivery. - Customs and Documentation:
For international shipments, ensure all required customs documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays. This may include invoices, shipping labels, and any necessary certifications like an apostille. - Delivery Alerts:
DHL offers notifications and alerts via email or SMS, keeping both senders and recipients informed about the status of the shipment. - Rates below:
We are pleased to offer certified translations for FBI background checks, ensuring your documents meet all necessary standards for international use.
- Translation of first page: $35
- Each additional page: $20
- Notary certification (optional): $5 per document
Apostille Service:
- Certified translations can be apostilled in Washington, DC, within 24 hours.
- Apostille Rate: $95
Important Notes:
- Certified translations are literal translations of the original document. We cannot alter the content of your document in any way, except for phonetic translations of names where applicable.
- Each translation is signed by a translator or the company and can be notarized upon request.
Federal Documents That Can be Apostilled/Authenticated
- FBI background checks
- Court documents issued by federal courts (previously a certified by the US prominent of justice) (i.e. District Court name change)
- Naturalization certificate
- Immigration records
- Certificate of citizenship
- Health certificates
- Medical examination records
- NIH research certificate
- FDA certificate (i.e. export certificates for pharmaceutical, medical devices)
- Phytosanitary Certificates
- Animal Health Certificates
- Certificates for Export of Animal Products Organic Certificates
- Certified copies of tax returns
- Income verification letter
- Certificate of status (form 6166)
How the Process Works:
Fill Out the Form
- Use the form below to submit your documents.
Payment Methods
- Payments can be sent via Zelle or Apple Pay to 703-901-6773.
- For credit card transactions, note there will be a 3% surcharge.
Submit Payment and Confirmation
- After submitting payment, send us confirmation of the payment.
Document Submission
- We will submit your document on the next business day.
Document Pickup
- Once your documents are ready from the U.S. Department of State, we will pick them up and ship them using your prepaid label.
- Ensure you keep your tracking information as it will automatically update after the package is dropped off.
- If we create a label, we will provide the tracking information.
- Important: To facilitate this process, ensure we have your prepaid label before your pickup date.
FedEx Drop-Off Deadline
- Our latest FedEx drop-off time is 8:30 PM at the main hub.
Submit an FBI Report for Apostille / Authentication
Elite Documents: Service Policies and Client Responsibilities
Document Submission Limits
The U.S. Department of State allows up to 15 document submissions daily. Submissions are processed in the order they are received, though delays may occur due to workload.
Important Notice
Processing timeframes are estimates and cannot be guaranteed. Decisions regarding document acceptance rest solely with the relevant authority. Elite Documents does not offer legal advice, and clients are responsible for ensuring their documents meet all necessary requirements.
Shipping Disclaimer
Elite Documents is not liable for any delays, damages, or losses once your package has been handed over to the courier service. Shipping timelines are approximate and subject to variation. International shipments may incur additional delays or fees due to customs. Once a package is in transit, clients are responsible for contacting the relevant courier or authority to resolve any shipping-related issues. Elite Documents’ responsibility ends once the package has been delivered to the courier service.
Payment Disclaimer
All payments must be received in full before processing begins.
Refund Disclaimer
Fees are non-refundable once work has started. If a service error occurs on our part, we will correct it at no additional cost. Clients must report discrepancies within five business days. Refunds are evaluated case by case and are not provided for delays, rejections, or third-party agency issues.
Privacy Disclaimer
Elite Documents values your privacy and collects only the information required to process your request. Personal information is not shared with third parties except as needed to complete the requested service.
Duplicate Documents Disclaimer
Clients are responsible for submitting accurate, original documents. Uncertified or duplicate copies may result in delays or rejections. Elite Documents is not liable for issues arising from unverified or non-original submissions.
Inspection of Completed Documents
Clients must review all returned documents for accuracy. Errors or omissions must be reported within five business days. Issues reported beyond this timeframe are not covered.
Non-Affiliation Disclaimer
Elite Documents is not affiliated with any government agency, embassy, or consulate. We act solely as an independent courier and facilitator for document submissions.
Rush Service Disclaimer
Rush services are offered for an additional fee, subject to agency availability. While we strive to expedite processing, turnaround times cannot be guaranteed due to external factors.
Retention of Documents
Documents left unclaimed for over 30 days will be securely destroyed unless prior arrangements are made.
Change of Requirements Disclaimer
Government agencies and embassies may modify their requirements without prior notice. Elite Documents is not responsible for delays or rejections resulting from such changes.
Cancellation Policy
Once processing has started, cancellations are not permitted, and fees are non-refundable.
Service Limitation Disclaimer
Elite Documents does not process fraudulent or incomplete documents. Submitting such documents will result in service termination without refund.
Security Disclaimer
We prioritize your data’s security with appropriate safeguards. However, no method of electronic transmission is entirely secure. For added safety, we recommend using secure platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox for file sharing. By using our services, you accept the inherent risks of electronic data transmission.
Estimate Disclaimer
Processing times are based on typical governemnt agency timelines and are not guaranteed. Elite Documents is not responsible for delays caused by government agencies or unforeseen circumstances.
Third-Party Disclaimer
Elite Documents functions solely as a courier between you and government agencies. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions by these agencies.
Client Responsibility Disclaimer
Clients must provide accurate and complete information. Delays or issues arising from incomplete or incorrect submissions may result in additional fees or extended processing times.
Limitation of Liability
Elite Documents is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages from service use. Liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific service.
Communication Disclaimer
Service communications are conducted exclusively via email. Clients must provide accurate contact details and check their email regularly for updates.
Service Availability Disclaimer
Elite Documents reserves the right to modify or discontinue services without notice. Availability depends on workload and agency requirements.
Force Majeure Disclaimer
Elite Documents is not responsible for service interruptions caused by factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters, severe weather, unexpected government closures, or transportation disruptions.
By engaging our services, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and disclaimers.
But Wait .. Theres More Exiting News
Elite Documents is always seeking partnerships with notaries located near their Secretary of State to provide convenient walk-in, drop-off, or pick-up services. By working together, we can offer faster, more efficient services to our clients when needed. If you’re interested in joining our team or have other services you’d like to share, please use the contact form below. We look forward to collaborating with you!
At Elite Documents, we are pleased to offer specialized training programs designed to enhance your professional skills in document services. Our current course offerings include:
1. State and Federal Apostille Training
This comprehensive course provides in-depth knowledge of the apostille process at both state and federal levels. Participants will learn:
Understanding Apostilles: Gain a clear understanding of what an apostille is and its significance in authenticating documents for international use.
State-Level Procedures: Learn the specific steps required to obtain an apostille from state authorities, including document preparation and submission guidelines.
Federal-Level Procedures: Understand the process for obtaining apostilles on federal documents, such as those issued by U.S. federal agencies.
Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure adherence to legal standards and best practices throughout the apostille process.
2. Certified Copies and Document Retrieval Training
This course is designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to understand and efficiently retrieve certified copies. Key topics include:
- Certified Copies: Understand is a certified copies of documents, ensuring they meet legal standards for authenticity.
- Document Retrieval Techniques: Learn effective methods for locating and obtaining official documents from various sources, including courts and government agencies.
Records Management: Gain insights into organizing and managing retrieved documents to maintain an efficient workflow.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Explore the legal and ethical aspects of handling sensitive documents and information.
📅 Dates & Details: Coming soon!
📍 Where: Virtual
🎓 Why Attend?
Gain valuable insights, save time and money, and confidently handle Apostille services for yourself or your clients.
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