Short answer. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Authentication Division issues apostilles here for $10 per document, by mail, in person and online. Mailed packages generally 7 to 10 business days; drop-box documents 5 to 7 business days.
Rather not deal with the office yourself? MCC Solutions handles apostilles for documents from Virginia and every other state: we check the document, take care of any county step, submit it and ship it back to you, and we quote the price before any work starts. Request an apostille.
At a glance
- Issuing office
- Secretary of the Commonwealth, Authentication Division Official page
- Fee
- $10 per document (not per page).
- How to submit
- Create the cover letter online, then mail the documents, use the drop box at 400 East Cary Street, or come in with an appointment booked online.
- Processing time
- Mailed packages generally 7 to 10 business days; drop-box documents 5 to 7 business days.
- Request form
- Online cover letter Open it
- Mailing address
- USPS: Secretary of the Commonwealth, Authentication Division, 1111 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. FedEx, UPS, DHL: 400 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
What each document needs first
- Notarized documents
- Properly notarized or issued; check the office's types of documents page.
Checklist by document
- Vital record: county step not confirmed, 2 steps not confirmed
- Notarized document: county step not confirmed, 1 step not confirmed
- Court record: county step not confirmed, 2 steps not confirmed
- FBI background check: no county step first
- School record: county step not confirmed, 2 steps not confirmed
Worth knowing
A document that isn't properly notarized or issued is returned without authentication. Appointments are made only through the office's website; walk-ins without one aren't seen, but there's a drop box.
Signing a power of attorney, affidavit or consent for use abroad? The online notary and apostille package, or check whether your country needs an apostille or legalization.
MCC Solutions handles New Jersey apostilles, and our guide explains how to get an apostille in New Jersey. For other states, this page lists the office's own process.
Official sources
- How to Submit, Authentications, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice. Use the office's own request form where it has one. Federal records, including FBI checks, go to the U.S. Department of State, and a destination outside the Hague Convention also needs embassy legalization.
Common questions
Who issues apostilles in Virginia?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Authentication Division. $10 per document (not per page).
Can a notarized document from Virginia be apostilled directly?
Properly notarized or issued; check the office's types of documents page.
How long does an apostille take in Virginia?
Mailed packages generally 7 to 10 business days; drop-box documents 5 to 7 business days. Allow extra time for mail and for any certified copy you still need to order.
Can I get a Virginia apostille in person or online?
Create the cover letter online, then mail the documents, use the drop box at 400 East Cary Street, or come in with an appointment booked online.
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