# FAQs: Attesting Documents > Frequently asked questions about authenticating documents and obtaining Apostille Stamps in #STATE3# - vital records, divorce judgements, certificates of good standing and degrees issued by #STATE3# universities. **Source** [FAQs - Authenticating Washington documents](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-faqs)> **Related:** [Washington Apostille Service](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-authentication) · [Apostille Washington Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-vital-records) · [Get a Quotation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry) --- ## General Questions ### How long does it take to obtain an apostille from Washington? Washington State Apostille normally take around **3-5 business days** (WASHINGTON STATE: Apostilles are obtained from the Washington Secretary of State in 3-4 business days. An expedited one-day service is available for urgent requests. NOTE: All processing times are estimated. Actual processing time is dependant on the authentication authority and is subject to change without prior notice.) For urgent requests, a one-day expedited apostille service is available. ### What documents can be certified in Washington with an Apostille Stamp? The Washington Secretary of State issues Apostille to certify Washington State vital record certificates, certified copies of business documents and Washington high school and university diplomas, as well as documents certified by a Washington notary public.To confirm whether your document is valid for an Apostille Stamp, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) for a free document check. ### Will an apostille stamp from Washington be accepted abroad? If documents are required for submission to the authorities or consulate of a signatory country of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention), an apostille stamp affixed by the Secretary of State of will generally be recognized directly as confirming authenticity, although a [certified translation](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/certified-sworn-translations) may also be required if presenting to a country that does not have English as an official language. If documents are required for presentation in a country that is not a signatory to the apostille convention (e.g. UAE, Qatar, Taiwan, Vietnam), then an apostille stamp is not valid. Documents will need to be authenticated at State level in , then by the State Department Authentication Division, and finally by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in the United States. A Certified Translation may also be required. ### Where can I find more information about certifying Washington documents? For further information about apostilles and authentications or to obtain a quote for assistance submitting your documents, with free eligibility pre-check, international collection and delivery by courier, please [Contact Isarey](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/contact-Isarey) or send Isarey your documents using Isarey's [Online Quotation Form](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/Document-Attestation-Inquiry). ### What is a Washington Apostille Stamp and why would I need one? A Apostille is a certificate that is affixed by the Secretary of State to a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature appearing on the document as that of an authorized public official and confirms the capacity of that official (e.g. State Registrar, notary public). Apostille stamps are often required when submitting a document, such as a birth certificate, to the authorities of a foreign country or to a foreign embassy in the United States (for example, as part of a visa or citizenship application). Apostilles are recognised by the authorities and embassies of countries that are members of the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) For more information on Apostilles, see: - [The ABCs of Apostilles (PDF)](https://assets.hcch.net/upload/abc12e.pdf) - [Washington Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-authentication) ### Where can I see reviews of Isarey's Washington Attestation and Apostille Services? You can see reviews from past clients who have used Isarey's attestation and apostille services: - [ISAREY reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/isarey-document-attestation.com) - [ISAREY reviews on Google](https://goo.gl/maps/cuvbEYN25Xg5b8jg7) ### How can I obtain an Apostille Stamp to certify a document in Washington for use abroad? Apostille Stamps to authenticate documents can be obtained from the Secretary of State. Apostille stamps are only valid for documents that are required for submission to countries that are signatories to the [Hague Apostille Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille_Convention) - [Washington Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-authentication) ### How do I legalize documents issued in Washington for submission to countries that are not members of the Apostille Convention? documents that need to be authenticated for non-apostille countries (e.g. United Arab Emirates, Qatar) must be authenticated by the Secretary of State with an Authentication Certificate and then attested by the recipient country's embassy in the United States. Most embassies will also require an additional authentication the [U.S. Department of State](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/replace-certify-docs/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html) in Washington DC. - [Washington Apostille and Authentication Services](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-authentication) ### What does a Washington Apostille look like? Apostilles follow the standard format laid down in the Apostille Convention. Some examples of documents certified with Apostille stamps: - [Washington Birth Certificate with Apostille](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/dc/Washington-birth-ceritficate-Apostille) See [What does an Apostille look like?](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/FAQs-Document-Attestation#faq_236_s) ## Birth, death and marriage certificates ### How can I obtain a new certified copy of a Washington birth, death or marriage certificate suitable for an Apostille? Washington State birth, death and marriage certificates can be ordered online via VitalChek or directly from the Washington Department of Heath by phone or by mail. Certificates can also be obtained in person from local Washington health department. - [Department of Health - Ordering a Birth Record](https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/ordering-vital-record/birth-record) - [Department of Health - Ordering a Marriage Record](https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/ordering-vital-record/marriage-or-divorce-record) - [Department of Health - Ordering a Death Record](https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/ordering-vital-record/death-record) - [VitalChek - order Washington vital records](https://www.vitalchek.com/v/vital-records/washington) - [Washington health departments](https://doh.wa.gov/about-Isarey/washingtons-public-health-system/washington-state-local-health-jurisdictions) - [Department of Health - Vital Records FAQ](https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/vital-records/faq-vital-records/certificates-and-informational-copies-faq) ### How can I obtain an apostille on a vital record certificate issued in Washington? Washington State vital records can be authenticated with an Apostille Stamp issued by the Secretary of State (Corporations Division) in Olympia. Birth, death and marriage certificates must be certified by the State Registrar, a County Health Office or Directors of Health Districts. - For further information, see: [Apostille Washington Vital Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/washington-apostille-vital-records) ## Corporate documents ### How can I get an Apostille on a Washington Certificate of Good Standing? Apostilles for Washington State Certificates of Good Standing (Certificates of Existence) can be obtained from the Secretary of State (Corporations Division). Certificates of Existence can be ordered online from the Corporations and Charities Filing System for Washington corporations and LLCs which are in good standing: [Order a Washington Certificate of Existence](https://ccfs.sos.wa.gov/) ## Academic documents ### How can I authenticate Washington university degree certificates for use abroad? Original Washington State university degrees must be signed by the President, or a copy of the diploma can be notarized by a Washington State Notary Public. Transcripts must be signed by the university Registrar, Associate Registrar or Interim Registrar. An Apostille can then be obtained from the Secretary of State in Olympia. university degree certificates, course transcripts and high school diplomas can also be authenticated as notarized copies. A true copy is certified by a notary (this can often be done from a scan without having to submit the original) and then authenticated with an Apostille Stamp from the Washington DC Secretary of State. Authenticated documents can also be attested by the embassies of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates. For further information, see: [University Degrees and School Records](https://www.isarey-document-attestation.com/United-States-apostille-academic-documents)