How long does an apostille take?
We move fast on our end. Once your documents reach us we offer three speeds: Standard (about 5 business days), Expedited (48 to 72 hours), and Rush (same or next day). Here is the full picture, step by step.
Apostilled in about 5 business days once it reaches us
Tracked priority mail both ways
Apostilled within 48 to 72 hours once it reaches us
Tracked priority mail both ways
Apostilled same or next day once it reaches us
Express shipping both ways, included
Processing time begins once your documents reach us on a business day. Shipping time is additional.
The full timeline, step by step
From the moment you order to the moment your apostilled documents arrive back at your door.
- 01
Place your order
Takes about two minutes online.
Tell us your document type, number of signatures, destination country, and which service level you need. We email a prepaid label immediately after checkout. No account needed.
- 02
Mail your documents to us
Drop off at any carrier location.
Attach the prepaid label we sent and drop your envelope at a carrier location. You get a tracking number so you can follow it to our door. Transit time depends on where you are mailing from and is not included in our handling window.
- 03
We hand-deliver to the state office
Timing depends on your service level.
Once your documents reach us on a business day, Standard orders are apostilled in about 5 business days, Expedited orders within 48 to 72 hours, and Rush orders the same or next business day. If your documents arrive on a Saturday, Sunday, or a day the state office is closed, the clock starts the next business day.
- 04
The state processes your apostille
Outside our control, but typically fast.
The Pennsylvania Department of State works at its own pace. We have no ability to speed up or predict their timeline once your documents are in their hands. Hand-delivery means your documents go straight to the counter instead of sitting in a mail queue, which helps in practice.
- 05
We ship your documents back
Packaged, tracked, and on the way to you.
Once the state releases your apostilled documents, we package and ship them to the address you gave at checkout. Return shipping is tracked the whole way. You will get a tracking number by email. You never need to set foot in a government office.
Business days only
Our handling windows run on business days. If your documents arrive on a Saturday, Sunday, or a day the Pennsylvania Department of State is closed, the clock starts the next business day. We recommend mailing early in the week to avoid weekend delays.
The state sets its own pace
After we hand your documents over to the Pennsylvania Department of State, we have no ability to speed up or predict their timeline. Hand-delivery means your documents go straight to the counter instead of sitting in a mail queue, which helps in practice. But the state’s processing time itself is outside our control.
Your documents must be ready before you mail them
We are a courier service, not a notary. Your documents must already meet the state’s requirements before you send them to us. Documents that arrive in a form the state cannot accept will be returned to you so you can fix the issue. This adds time, so make sure everything is properly prepared before you mail.
Get your apostille started today.
Order in minutes, mail us your documents, and we take them to the state office in Harrisburg fast.
Standard: about 5 business days Expedited: 48 to 72 hours Rush: same or next day Hand-delivered in Harrisburg