Hey There! Need an Apostille in Washington? You’re in the Right Place
If you’re trying to navigate international paperwork, you’ve probably run into this question: “Do I need an apostille—and how do I get one?”
As the owner of Virtual Same Day Marriage, I help clients every single week with this exact process. Whether you’re handling a traditional marriage certificate, a notarized document, or exploring an apostille for digital documents, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I’ll break it all down in plain English—including answers to some of the most common questions I hear like how long does an apostille take and can I apostille a notarized document.
What Is an Apostille and Why Would You Need One?
Let’s start simple: an apostille is an official certification that makes your U.S. document valid for use in another country.
If your document is going to a country that is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, it will need an apostille to be legally recognized.
At Virtual Same Day Marriage, many of our clients need apostilles for:
✅ Marriage certificates
✅ Notarized affidavits
✅ Power of attorney documents
✅ Apostille for digital documents
✅ Birth certificates
✅ Background checks
Can I Apostille a Notarized Document?
YES—great question!
Can I apostille a notarized document? You absolutely can, as long as it’s properly notarized by a commissioned notary public in Washington.
Common notarized documents that we help clients apostille include:
✅ Power of attorney
✅ Affidavits of single status
✅ Business contracts
✅ Sworn declarations
One key thing to remember: the notarization itself must be clear and compliant with Washington state requirements—or the apostille may be rejected.
What About Apostille for Digital Documents?
Another great question we hear more and more: “Can I get an apostille for digital documents?”
The short answer is—it depends.
Washington is beginning to accept certain digitally certified documents (issued electronically by government agencies) for apostille, but this is still a developing area.
✅ Example: Some digitally certified birth and marriage certificates
✅ Caution: Scanned PDFs or self-scanned documents won’t be accepted
If you’re not sure whether your document qualifies for an apostille for digital documents, reach out—we help clients verify this every day.
How Long Does an Apostille Take in Washington?
One of the first things clients ask me is: how long does an apostille take?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Method | Timeline |
| By mail (standard) | 3-5 weeks |
| In-person submission | 1-2 weeks |
| With courier (recommended for urgent cases) | 1-3 business days |
If you’re facing an immigration deadline, marriage abroad, or business closing date—using a trusted courier is absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Verify Your Document Is Ready for Apostille
Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Is it an original or certified copy?
✅ If notarized—was it notarized by a WA notary?
✅ If digital—is it an official digital certificate issued by an agency?
If you’re unsure, Virtual Same Day Marriage can review your document first—better safe than sorry!
Step 2: Fill Out Washington’s Apostille Request Form
Washington’s Request for Apostille/Certification Form is available here:
👉 Washington Apostille Request Form
Include all required details—and if you’re submitting apostille for digital documents or a notarized document, indicate that clearly.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Option 1: By Mail
Mail to:
Office of the Secretary of State
Apostille Program
Corporations & Charities Division
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia, WA 98501-1226
Option 2: With a Trusted Courier
We strongly recommend this option if you need the apostille fast.
Virtual Same Day Marriage partners with expert couriers who:
✅ Submit your document in person
✅ Ensure correct handling
✅ Get your apostille back in 1-3 days
Internal Links to Explore
👉 How to Apostille a Marriage Certificate for Immigration
👉 Virtual Marriage for K1 Visa Guide
👉 How to Get an Apostille in Pennsylvania
External Helpful Links
👉 Washington Secretary of State – Apostille Program
👉 U.S. Department of State – Apostille Convention Countries
FAQ — Getting an Apostille in Washington
1️⃣ How long does an apostille take in Washington?
By mail: 3-5 weeks.
In person: 1-2 weeks.
With a courier: often 1-3 business days.
2️⃣ Can I apostille a notarized document?
Yes! As long as it is properly notarized by a commissioned WA notary public.
3️⃣ Can I get an apostille for digital documents?
In some cases—officially issued digital documents from WA government agencies can sometimes be apostilled. We can help you confirm eligibility.
4️⃣ What documents commonly require apostilles?
Marriage certificates, birth certificates, notarized affidavits, background checks, powers of attorney, and certain digital documents.
5️⃣ Can Virtual Same Day Marriage help me with the apostille process?
Absolutely! We help clients with apostille for digital documents, notarized documents, and traditional records every single week—and we’d love to help you too.
Final Thoughts — Ready to Get Your Apostille in Washington?
Whether you’re handling a marriage, relocation, adoption, or business transaction abroad—getting your apostille done right can save weeks of delays.
👉 Contact us at Virtual Same Day Marriage, and we’ll guide you through the entire process for your notarized document, digital document, or marriage certificate.
We specialize in fast, friendly apostille services—and we make it easy!
