How to obtain the document
Order certified copies through the Certified Copy Center (https://certifiedcopycenter.uspto.gov) or Patent Center with a USPTO.gov account: Patent Application As Filed, Patent File Wrapper, or selected papers; trademark certified copies via the trademark ordering link. A filing date must already be assigned. Certified copies bear the USPTO seal and the signature of an authorized certifying officer. Fees and turnaround not stated on the page opened; PRD Customer Service (571) 272-3150.
Why it goes to the U.S. Department of State
Signed by a federal certifying officer; travel.state.gov lists 'USPTO patent and trademark applications' as federal documents.
Format the Office of Authentications accepts
USPTO-certified copy with original certifying-officer signature and seal, dated. Do not notarize. Plain Patent Center downloads are uncertified and not eligible.
Filing the request
- Keep the document unaltered
Do not notarize it, write on it or remove staples. Originals or agency-certified copies only.
- Complete Form DS-4194
Name the destination country for each document. Download DS-4194.
- Pay $20 per document
Check or money order payable to ‘U.S. Department of State’ by mail; card at the counter.
- Mail or hand-deliver
Mail: U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications, 44132 Mercure Cir., PO Box 1206, Sterling, VA 20166-1206. Walk-in: Office of Authentications, 600 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, Drop-off and pick-up 7:30-9:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday, no appointment needed; processing about 7 business days. Max 15…
- Allow for processing
Mail-in: up to 5 weeks from receipt (tracking 'delivered' at the Sterling PO box does not mean processing has started; package takes several days to reach DC). Walk-in: about 7 business days.
Common reasons for rejection
- Uncertified electronic copies downloaded from Patent Center or TSDR.
- Notarized copies of patents/registrations.
Practical notes
- A certified 'application as filed' is the usual document for foreign priority claims; a 'presentation copy' is ceremonial.
Non-Hague destinations
For countries outside the Hague Convention the office issues an authentication certificate rather than an apostille, and the document must then be legalized at the destination's embassy or consulate in Washington. See embassy legalization.
Frequently asked questions
Can my state apostille a USPTO Patent & Trademark Documents?
No. Only the U.S. Department of State authenticates federal signatures. A state can apostille a notarized copy, but many destinations will not accept that in place of the federal apostille on the original.
How much is the federal apostille fee?
$20 per document, payable to the U.S. Department of State. The fee is charged even if the request is returned unprocessed.
How long does it take?
Mail-in: up to 5 weeks from receipt (tracking 'delivered' at the Sterling PO box does not mean processing has started; package takes several days to reach DC). Walk-in: about 7 business days.
Should I notarize it first?
No. Notarizing a federal document makes it invalid for authentication at the Office of Authentications.
