How to Apostille a Washington Single Status Affidavit (Fee, Processing Time, Step-by-Step Checklist)
Washington apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division: $15 per document, standard processing 7-10 business days. Expedite costs $100 more per 10 documents (2-3 business days); same-day service in person in Tumwater or Cheney costs $150 more for the first 10. Your affidavit must be notarized by a Washington notary; mail it with the request form. Last verified 2026-10-12 against https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/apostilles-services-information-resource-page
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Washington Notary Public |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Washington Secretary of State 7-10 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Washington single status affidavit (requires notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $15 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 7-10 business days. Walk-in: Same day in Tumwater or Cheney (extra $150 for the first 10 documents) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 129 Hague Convention countries, incl. the US (HCCH status table, checked 2026-10-12) |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Single Status Affidavit Cost | Varies by state (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Olympia: PO Box 40234 (mail); 243 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater or 960 Washington St, Cheney (in person) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $15 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for a Washington apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from Washington Dept of Health.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Washington SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Washington to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates and Egypt require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Washington Apostille Advantages
Washington offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Fee: $15 per document.
- • Fast Processing: 7-10 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for legal documents.
Option 1: Washington State Center for Health Statistics
The state legal documents office in Olympia issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Washington single status affidavit issued by the state vital records office.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Washington Single Status Affidavit: An original or newly certified copy issued by the state vital records office.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "single status affidavit" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $15 per document — check or money order payable to "Washington Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any single status affidavit without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need a Washington Single Status Affidavit Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Washington Single Status Affidavit
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the Washington State Center for Health Statistics.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from Washington Dept of Health. Certified-copy fees vary by state; check the issuing office's current fee schedule.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your single status affidavit shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Washington Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Washington Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Single Status Affidavit to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified single status affidavit, completed apostille request form, and $15 payment to the Secretary of State in Olympia.
Mailing Address:
Washington Secretary of State
Corporations & Charities Division
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
Walk-in Address:
243 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater
960 Washington St, Cheney
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostille
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 7-10 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $15 (state fee) |
| Certified Washington single status affidavit (first copy) | Varies by state |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Washington single status affidavit before apostille?▼
It depends. A Letter of Single Status ordered from the Center for Vital Statistics in Tumwater is a certified vital record and needs no notarization. A personal single status affidavit must be notarized by a Washington notary.
How long does it take to get an apostille on a Washington single status affidavit?▼
Mail requests typically take 7-10 business days plus mailing time. Same-day service is available in person in Tumwater or Cheney for an extra $150 for the first 10 documents.
How much does a Washington single status affidavit apostille cost?▼
The Washington Secretary of State charges $15 per document for apostille services. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Washington Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Washington?▼
Yes. The Washington Secretary of State offices in Tumwater (243 Israel Rd SE) and Cheney (960 Washington St) accept in-person requests and process them the same day for an extra $150 same-day fee (first 10 documents).
Where do I mail my Washington single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Mail to: Washington Secretary of State, Corporations & Charities Division, PO Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234. Include the completed request form and $15 fee per document.
What countries accept a Washington single status affidavit apostille?▼
The Apostille Convention is in force in 129 countries, including the United States (HCCH status table, checked 2026-10-12). This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Washington single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original single status affidavit for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by the state vital records office, not your original single status affidavit. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified Washington single status affidavit for apostille?▼
Order from the Washington State Center for Health Statistics online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Olympia office. Certified-copy fees vary by state; check the issuing office's current fee schedule.in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log