How Long Does It Take To Get An Apostille In New York?

If you’re preparing to submit a U.S. document for use overseas, you’ve likely come across the term apostille. One of the first questions many people ask is, How long does it take to get an apostille in New York?

The timeline depends on several factors, including the type of document you are submitting, the method of submission, and how quickly the New York Department of State is currently processing requests.

Below, we explain what to expect when seeking an apostille in New York. This guide covers standard processing times, expedited options, and how to avoid delays.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public document. It is used when submitting U.S. documents in countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention. Apostilles are commonly needed for birth certificates, marriage licenses, powers of attorney, diplomas, and business documents.

In New York, apostilles are issued by the Department of State. Once your document has been reviewed and approved, the apostille certificate is attached, verifying the document’s legitimacy for use abroad.

Common Documents That Need Apostilles

Many documents are eligible for apostilles in New York. These include:

• Birth and death certificates issued in New York City or any borough
• Marriage and divorce records
• Academic records such as diplomas and transcripts
• Notarized affidavits and powers of attorney
• Corporate documents like articles of incorporation
• State or FBI background checks
• Copy of passports
• Power of attorney
• Authorization Letters
• Driver Licenses

Each document type may require specific steps before submission. Some need notarization, while others must be certified by a County Clerk.

Standard Processing Times in New York

If you’re wondering “How long does it take to get an apostille in New York,” the general answer is 3 to 4 weeks. This estimate begins once the Department of State receives your completed documents and payment.

However, this timeline can vary based on several factors, such as the volume of requests, especially during peak travel seasons, document completeness, mail transit delays, and holiday closures.

If you’re mailing your paperwork, it’s important to factor in an additional 5 to 7 business days for delivery and return. Altogether, the mail-in process can extend the total wait time to over a month unless expedited.

Walk-In and Expedited Options

Being located in or near New York City offers one advantage: in-person drop-off at Apostille Corp. We will then process it with the Department of State office at Albany. Walk-ins are accepted. You will receive a receipt and wait to be notified when your documents are ready.

If you are short on time, professional apostille services offer a faster solution. These providers can hand-deliver your paperwork, monitor progress, and pick up the completed documents for you. In many cases, turnaround times can be done on the same day.

Factors That Affect Processing Time

Several factors can affect how quickly your documents are processed:

• The type of document
• Whether notarization or County Clerk authentication is required
• Volume of current requests at the Department of State
• Time of year (some months experience heavy demand)
• Errors in your application, such as missing signatures or incorrect payment

To avoid delays, make sure your documents are current, properly signed, and submitted with the right forms and fees.

Apostille Services vs. Doing It Yourself

You can apply for an apostille yourself. But it requires attention to detail and time for mailing, follow-ups, and rejections if mistakes are made.

Apostille services take on the legwork for you. They check your documents for accuracy, handle clerk certifications if needed, and submit everything directly to the state. They often use couriers instead of regular mail, which speeds up processing by days.

Using a professional can reduce the timeline to 2–5 business days, especially if you’re in a hurry. This is why many law firms, businesses, and even individuals use such services for peace of mind and faster turnaround.

When You Need It Fast

Sometimes, waiting several weeks is not an option. You may have a visa appointment, job offer, school deadline, or marriage ceremony abroad coming up fast. In these situations, working with a professional service is often the best choice.

Some apostille companies present rush options that return your completed documents in just 1 to 3 business days. Although faster services may come with higher fees, they can help you meet important deadlines without added stress.

New York receives a high volume of apostille requests. As a result, delays are common. Submitting complete and accurate paperwork is essential to keeping the process on track.

Why Apostille Corp Can Make the Process Easier

At Apostille Corp, we simplify the process of getting your documents apostilled in New York. Our team handles these requests daily and knows exactly what steps are required based on your document type and where it was issued.

We carefully review each file before submitting it. If a document is missing a required element, such as a notary stamp, official seal, or updated version, we contact you immediately and provide clear instructions on how to resolve it. This step prevents delays that often result from incomplete or incorrect paperwork.

Our service is tailored to your timeline. We offer both standard processing for routine requests and expedited options for clients facing tight deadlines. If you need an apostille urgently, our team can fast-track your documents by hand-delivering them to the New York Department of State. In many cases, this reduces turnaround time from several weeks to just a few business days.

We also work with clients across the United States and overseas. If you are not located in New York, you can mail your documents to our office. We handle the rest from there, including clerk certifications, delivery, follow-up, and safe return shipping.

Our clients value the speed, reliability, and transparency we provide. Whether you’re preparing for international travel, a legal filing, or a business transaction abroad, we make the apostille process smooth and stress-free.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t let slow processing hold up your plans. If you’re still asking how long it takes to get an apostille in New York, the answer depends on how you choose to move forward. Let us help you save time, reduce stress, and get your documents in order fast.

Contact us today to request a quote or start your order.