One of the most common questions about apostilles is: "How long will this take?" Unfortunately, there's no single answer. Processing times vary dramatically based on numerous factors. Let's break down what affects timing and give you realistic expectations for planning.
The Complete Timeline: What to Expect
The apostille process involves multiple steps, each with its own timeframe. Here's the complete journey from start to finish:
Complete Apostille Timeline
Obtaining Original Documents
Requesting certified copies from schools, vital records offices, or corporate registries. Some respond in days, others take weeks.
Notarization (if required)
Documents like powers of attorney need notarization first. Mobile notaries can come to you, while office visits are usually same-day.
Mailing to Secretary of State
Shipping documents to the state office. Overnight or express mail is faster but more expensive.
State Processing
This is the variable step. State processing times differ dramatically and change based on workload, season, and staffing. More details below.
Return Shipping
Receiving your apostilled documents back. Standard mail takes longer; express shipping is faster and trackable.
Most cases fall in the 3-6 week range with standard processing
State-by-State Processing Times
Every state has different processing times, and these can change based on current workload. Here's a general overview of typical processing speeds:
Fast States
1-5 days
Typical processing time
• Illinois
• Florida
• Arizona
• Nevada
• Colorado
Slower States
3-8 weeks
Typical processing time
• Wisconsin
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Georgia
• Virginia
Important Note
These are general estimates that can change dramatically. States experience seasonal rushes, staffing changes, and unexpected delays. Always check current processing times with the specific state office or consult a professional service for up-to-date information.
Factors That Affect Processing Speed
Seasonal Demand
Apostille offices experience major seasonal fluctuations in volume:
- Summer (June-August): Peak season for study abroad applications. Processing times can double.
- Winter (December-January): Holidays slow everything down with office closures and reduced staff.
- Spring (February-May): Business expansion season brings corporate document rushes.
Document Type & Complexity
Not all documents are equal in the eyes of processing offices:
Fast Track: Simple Documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas with clear official seals process quickly—usually standard timelines.
Slower: Complex Documents
Corporate documents, multi-page contracts, or documents with unclear seals may require additional review, adding days or weeks.
Staffing & Resources
State offices have varying staff sizes and resources. Large states like California and Texas have more staff but also higher volumes. Smaller states might have just 2-3 people processing all apostilles, creating bottlenecks during busy periods.
Submission Method
How you submit makes a difference:
- • Walk-in service: Some states offer same-day or next-day processing for in-person submissions
- • Mail-in service: Standard mail adds shipping time plus processing queue time
- • Professional services: Often have established relationships and priority processing arrangements