Translation Services in District of Columbia: Cities and Guidance

Washington is the one place in the country where the distinction between a state apostille and a federal apostille comes up constantly. Documents issued by the District — DC birth certificates, DC notarizations — are authenticated by the DC Office of the Secretary. Documents issued by a federal agency, including FBI identity history summaries and naturalisation certificates, go to the US Department of State Office of Authentications instead. They are different offices with different queues, and sending paperwork to the wrong one is the most common delay we see here.

The USCIS field office serving DC residents is across the river in Fairfax County, Virginia.