Doing Business

The Authentication of documents takes approximately 3 working days to process from time of receipt by mail.  Please include a cover-letter (see attached copy) with your day time telephone number, address, name and country where the document will be used, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.  You may use express mail services for faster receipt/return of your documents. The mailing address is below. 

U.S. Department of State
Authentications Office
518 23rd Street, N.W.
State Annex 1
Washington, D.C. 20037

The Authentications Office will mail documents directly to the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States if provided with a transmittal letter, fee, and a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the documents.

Counter Services
Open 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. only
Telephone:  202-647-5002
Telephone:  1-800-333-4636
Each customer (company) is limited to 15 documents per day on a while-you-wait basis.

Locations
U.S. Department of State
Authentications Office
518 23rd Street, N. W., SA-1
(Columbia Plaza Courtyard)
Washington, D. C. 20037
Nearest Metro Station - GWU-Foggy Bottom

Directions by Metro Rail
Use Blue or Orange Metro rail to GWU-Foggy Bottom.  Exit Metro on 23rd Street and turn right.  Walk down 3 blocks, cross Virginia Avenue, N. W., walk down to Columbia Plaza on right.  Go through courtyard.  518 is at left corner of courtyard area.

Fees
The authentication fee is $6.00 per document.  A check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State should be submitted with the document.  A personal or company check, MasterCard, and Visa are acceptable.