DS-4194, Request for Authentications Service
Form DS-4194 is the cover request for the State Department’s Office of Authentications, which certifies U.S. documents for use in other countries. Download the official PDF below and prepare it for your submission.
This is the genuine DOS PDF, unmodified. Source: DOS official page.
What is DS-4194?
Form DS-4194, Request for Authentications Service, accompanies documents sent to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. That office places an apostille or an authentication certificate on eligible documents, such as federally issued records, notarized business documents, or state documents already certified at the state level, so foreign governments will accept them.
The form identifies the requester, lists the documents enclosed, and names the country where the documents will be used, which determines whether an apostille or a traditional authentication chain applies. Requests are typically mailed in with payment, though limited in-person service may be available; processing times and fees change, so check travel.state.gov before sending anything.
Who files DS-4194?
- Individuals who need U.S. documents authenticated for use abroad, such as for foreign marriage, adoption, or dual citizenship
- Businesses sending corporate documents, agreements, or certificates to foreign partners or governments
- Attorneys and agents submitting documents on behalf of clients
- People whose destination country requires State Department authentication rather than a state-level apostille
How to fill out DS-4194
- Download and print the official DS-4194 PDF.
- Complete the requester and contact information so the office can reach you and return your documents.
- List each document you are submitting and the country where it will be used.
- Include payment for the current per-document fee and a prepaid return envelope or delivery instructions; confirm amounts and methods at travel.state.gov.
- Mail the form, documents, and payment to the Office of Authentications at the address in the current instructions, or ask about in-person options if your need is urgent.
Get DS-4194
DOS publishes DS-4194 as a flat PDF with no built-in form fields, so there is no quick-fill form here. Open it in the editor to type directly onto the pages, tick boxes and sign, or download the official blank and complete it in your PDF reader or by hand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the State Department, or is a state apostille enough?
It depends on who issued the document and where it is going. State-issued documents bound for Hague Apostille Convention countries are usually apostilled by the state’s own authority. Federal documents, and documents headed to non-Hague countries, go through the Office of Authentications.
How long does authentication take?
Processing times vary and have changed significantly over the years. Check the current estimate at travel.state.gov before you send documents, and build in extra time if a foreign deadline is involved.
Can I fill this form out online?
The PDF is designed to be printed and completed for mailing. Download it here, fill it in by hand or with your own PDF tools, and send it with your documents and payment.