State guide
Federal Apostille Services in New Mexico
How New Mexico residents get federal documents apostilled — and how that differs from New Mexico state documents handled by the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026
Quick answer
There’s no federal apostille counter in New Mexico — or anywhere outside Washington, D.C. Federal documents from New Mexico residents are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State. New Mexico state documents go to the New Mexico Secretary of State in Santa Fe.
Key takeaways
- Federal documents from New Mexico are apostilled only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — not by the New Mexico Secretary of State.
- New Mexico state documents (birth, marriage, state court, notarized) go to the New Mexico Secretary of State. We don’t provide state-level apostilles.
- Through us: $299 all-in for Hague countries (10–12 business days) or $399 with embassy legalization for non-Hague countries (15–17 business days).
- Do it yourself: Form DS-4194 and a $20 fee per document — processed within 5 weeks by mail, or 7 business days if you drop it off in Washington, D.C.
- State apostille office
- New Mexico Secretary of State
- Located in
- Santa Fe
- Federal court districts
- 1
- Our office
- By mail via Washington, D.C.
Federal or New Mexico document?
| Document | Apostille from |
|---|---|
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State |
| New Mexico state police check | New Mexico Secretary of State |
| Naturalization / citizenship certificate | U.S. Department of State |
| New Mexico birth, death or marriage certificate | New Mexico Secretary of State |
| Document notarized in New Mexico | New Mexico Secretary of State |
| Federal court record | U.S. Department of State |
| New Mexico state court record | New Mexico Secretary of State |
Federal courts in New Mexico
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
City guides: Albuquerque
How we serve New Mexico
We serve New Mexico by mail from our Washington, D.C. headquarters, close to the Office of Authentications; our nearest office to New Mexico is Phoenix. There’s no need to visit an office in person. We cover Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho and every other part of New Mexico.
Pricing is flat: $299 per document for Hague countries (10–12 business days) and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization (15–17 business days), government fees included.
Official sources: New Mexico Secretary of State — Apostilles & Authentications · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (Hague countries) · NASS — State Apostille Offices.
Documents for New Mexico residents
Pick your document for the exact route from New Mexico:
Where are New Mexico state documents apostilled?
New Mexico-issued documents — birth, marriage and death certificates, state court records, and anything notarized in New Mexico — are apostilled by the New Mexico Secretary of State, Business Services Division, not by the U.S. Department of State. We don’t provide state-level apostilles, so request it directly from the office below. If it is going to a non-Hague country, get the New Mexico authentication first; we then handle the U.S. Department of State and embassy steps for $399.
| Office | New Mexico Secretary of State, Business Services Division |
|---|---|
| In person | 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300, Santa Fe, NM 87501 |
| Mailing address | 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300, Santa Fe, NM 87501 |
| Phone | 1-800-477-3632 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| State fee per apostille | $3 |
Source: New Mexico Secretary of State — official apostille page (checked October 2026). Fees, hours and appointment rules change — confirm with the office before you send anything.
How long does a federal apostille take from New Mexico?
The U.S. Department of State is the only office that issues a federal apostille. Mailed in yourself, it is processed within 5 weeks of receipt; dropped off in person in Washington, D.C., within 7 business days. Through us it takes 10–12 business days, or 15–17 business days for a non-Hague country that also needs embassy legalization.
| Route | How | Processing time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail it yourself | Form DS-4194 + check to the Office of Authentications, Sterling, VA | Within 5 weeks of receipt | $20 per document + shipping |
| Drop it off yourself | 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. — Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 AM, no appointment | Within 7 business days | $20 per document + travel |
| Emergency appointment | Only for a life-or-death family emergency with travel within 2 weeks | Same day | $20 per document |
| Through Federal Apostille USA | We review it, drop it off in D.C. and return it to you with tracking | 10–12 business days total | $299 all-in ($399 non-Hague) |
What does a federal apostille cost from New Mexico?
The government fee is $20 per document, paid with Form DS-4194. Our all-in price is $299 per document, covering the government fee, review, D.C. drop-off and U.S. return shipping; non-Hague destinations are $399 with embassy legalization.
Government figures: U.S. Department of State — Request Authentication Services (checked October 2026).
New Mexico — FAQ
Is there a federal apostille office in New Mexico?
No. Every U.S. federal document is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The New Mexico Secretary of State handles only New Mexico state documents.
Who issues apostilles for New Mexico state documents?
The New Mexico Secretary of State in Santa Fe.
Which federal courts are in New Mexico?
U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.
Do I need to visit an office in New Mexico?
No. We work with New Mexico clients by mail and handle the Washington submission for you.
How much does a federal apostille cost?
$299 per document for Hague Convention countries and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, with government fees and U.S. shipping included.
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.