How to Get an Apostille in Arizona
Educational information, not legal advice. Fees, addresses and processing times reflect the Arizona Secretary of State and can change. Confirm current details on the official azsos.gov page before you mail anything.
Arizona apostille cost and time calculator
Enter how many documents you have and how you will submit them; the tool estimates the small state fee and the usual processing window for that route.
Who issues apostilles in Arizona?
Apostilles in Arizona are issued by the Secretary of State's Apostille Department, the only state office authorized to do so; no county office can provide the service. The office certifies the signature of an Arizona notary public, court clerk, vital records officer or other state or county official whose oath is on file with the state. It does not check the content of your document, only that the signature, seal or stamp belongs to a legitimate official. If your paper is a private document such as a power of attorney, have it notarized by an Arizona notary first, because the state authenticates the notary rather than your own signature.
How much does an Arizona apostille cost?
An Arizona apostille costs $3 per document, one of the lowest state fees anywhere. For mailed requests, pay by check or money order made out to the Arizona Secretary of State; in person, the office also accepts cash and card. A returned payment for insufficient funds adds a $25 charge, so make sure a check clears. As with every state, the $3 is only the government fee; a private service adds its own handling charge on top, which is usually the larger part of any flat rate you are quoted. Confirm the current statutory amount before mailing, since fees can change.
How long does an Arizona apostille take?
A mailed Arizona apostille is commonly processed in about 10 business days from the date the office receives it, plus mail time in each direction. A walk-in at the Phoenix counter is usually handled the same day, and the Tucson office offers in-person service as well. Because these are original documents you cannot easily replace, a trackable service like USPS Priority, FedEx or UPS is wise for the trip in both directions. Arizona does not offer an electronic apostille, so the result is always a physical certificate attached to your document.
How do you get an apostille in Arizona, step by step?
You complete the request, submit the document with the $3 fee and return postage, and the Secretary of State returns it with the apostille attached. The route below is the standard process.
- Check the document is Arizona's: issued in Arizona or notarized by an Arizona notary on file with the state.
- Notarize private documents first: a power of attorney or affidavit needs an Arizona notary before submission.
- Complete the request: fill the Apostille or Certificate of Authentication Request and name the destination country.
- Submit with payment and return postage: the office will not process a mailed request without a prepaid return envelope.
- Receive it: the office attaches the apostille and returns it, same day for Phoenix walk-ins.
| Arizona apostille | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Secretary of State, Apostille Department |
| State fee | $3 per document |
| Mail processing | About 10 business days from receipt |
| Mail address | Attn: Apostille Dept., 1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808 |
| Walk-in | Phoenix (1700 W. Washington) and Tucson (400 W. Congress), usually same day |
| Return postage | Prepaid, self-addressed envelope required for mail requests |
Can Arizona apostille an FBI background check?
No, Arizona cannot apostille an FBI background check, because it is a federal document authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Mailing a federal report to the Arizona Secretary of State means it comes back unprocessed and you lose days. Arizona authenticates documents that originated in the state or carry the signature of an official whose oath is on file, such as an Arizona birth certificate or a document notarized by an Arizona notary. A record from another state, or a federal one, is handled where it was issued.
Arizona apostille: frequently asked questions
- Who issues apostilles in Arizona?
- The Arizona Secretary of State, Apostille Department, is the only state office that issues apostilles and certificates of authentication for Arizona documents.
- How much does an Arizona apostille cost?
- The state fee is $3 per document. Checks and money orders are made out to the Arizona Secretary of State, and in-person requests also take cash or card.
- How long does an Arizona apostille take?
- Mailed requests are commonly processed in about 10 business days from receipt, while a walk-in at the Phoenix counter is usually same day.
- Where can I get an apostille in Arizona in person?
- At the Phoenix office at 1700 W. Washington Street, or the Tucson office, after completing the request form. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Does Arizona require return postage for a mailed apostille?
- Yes. The office will not process a mailed request that arrives without a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with sufficient postage.
By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Arizona Secretary of State (Authentication / Apostille, azsos.gov). Check the latest fee and address with the state before relying on these details.