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Apostille Services for Spain

Need an apostille for a U.S. document being used in Spain? A Washington Travel & Passport Visa Services Inc. (VisaDC) assists with document review, state and federal apostille submissions, and return delivery.

Do I Need an Apostille for Spain?

The HCCH status table lists the Apostille Convention’s entry into force for Spain as September 25, 1978. Before ordering, confirm that the Convention applies between the issuing and receiving jurisdictions and that your document falls within its scope.

For a covered document, an apostille replaces the traditional embassy legalization chain. The receiving authority in Spain may still require a translation, a recently issued record, or other supporting documents. Confirm those requirements directly with that authority.

An apostille authenticates the signature, the signer’s official capacity and, where applicable, the seal or stamp on a public document. It does not certify the document’s contents or guarantee approval of a visa, residency application, transaction or other request.

Common U.S. Documents for Use in Spain

The documents you need depend on your application. VisaDC can review:

• Certified birth and marriage certificates
• Certified divorce decrees and other court records
• Diplomas and academic transcripts
• Powers of attorney and single status affidavits
• Official FBI Identity History Summary reports
• Adoption documents and eligible business or corporate records
• IRS Form 6166 Apostille

Request the receiving authority’s document checklist before paying for certificates, notarization or translation.

State Apostille or Federal Apostille?

State and Local Documents

State-issued records and eligible notarized documents generally go through the appropriate authority in the state where they were issued or notarized. Use a properly certified vital record or court copy. A notarized photocopy does not automatically replace an issuing authority’s certified copy. Diplomas, affidavits and powers of attorney may need specific notarization or certification first.

FBI Background Checks

An FBI report is a federal document. When an apostille is required, it is processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. Do not notarize or alter the FBI report. Email the official FBI electronic PDF to VisaDC for review; original paper reports may also be submitted.

Apostille Service Fees

The government fee depends on the document’s issuing authority. The following service fees are per document:

General service pricing starts at $115 and is quoted after document review. The separate FBI apostille service uses the $108 service fee shown above. State fees, extra certification steps, translation and any required legalization are additional. We provide an itemized quote before processing.

Processing Time

VisaDC’s estimated FBI apostille turnaround is 8–10 business days after submission to the U.S. Department of State. Shipping time is additional. Our federal drop-offs take place Monday through Thursday mornings; no Friday submissions. Government workload, holidays or document corrections may affect completion.

State apostille timing varies by state and document. Contact us for a document-specific estimate. Expedited shipping changes transit time and does not shorten government processing.

Return Shipping and Payment

• FedEx 2-Day within the United States: $18
• FedEx Priority Overnight within the United States: $70
• International FedEx or DHL return shipping: $60; confirm delivery coverage for your address
• A prepaid return label may be supplied
• Card payments: 3.5% processing fee
• Zelle payments: $2 processing fee

A high-resolution scan of the completed documents is available on request. Confirm your return address and shipping option before shipment.

How to Start Your Spain Apostille Request

1. Email info@visadc.com with your document type, issuing state or agency, destination and deadline.
2. Complete the Authentication Request Form (PDF).
3. For an FBI report, send the official electronic PDF for review. For state documents, obtain confirmation of the required certified originals before mailing.
4. Review your itemized quote and payment instructions.
5. Confirm your return address, shipping preference and whether you need a completion scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all documents for Spain need an apostille?

No. Follow the requirements of the organization receiving your document. Some procedures do not require an apostille, and additional requirements can apply even when a document is apostilled.

Can I email a scanned copy?

An official FBI electronic PDF can be emailed for review. State vital records and court documents generally require properly certified copies in the form accepted by the relevant authority. Email us a copy first so we can explain what must be mailed.

Does every document need notarization?

No. Notarization depends on the document type and submission route. Do not notarize an original federal report or a vital record simply because it will be used abroad.

Is a translation included?

No. Translation is a separate service. Ask the receiving authority which language, translator qualifications and certification format it accepts, and whether the apostille must also be translated. Contact VisaDC for a separate quote.

Contact VisaDC

A Washington Travel & Passport Visa Services Inc.
1875 Campus Commons Dr., Suite 210
Reston, VA 20191
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Toll-free: 1-877-721-7678
Email: info@visadc.com

Reston walk-ins are welcome during office hours. Washington, DC office visits are by appointment.

VisaDC is a private, non-government document assistance and courier company. Government agencies issue apostilles. Customers may apply directly to the relevant government authority without purchasing VisaDC’s services.

Official references: HCCH Apostille Convention status table; U.S. Department of State apostille guidance. Information reviewed November 1, 2026.

FBI Apostille & Authentication