Government Shutdown and Apostille Services: What You Need to Know

If you need an apostille for your documents, a government shutdown can cause unexpected delays. Whether you’re applying for an FBI background check apostille, federal records authentication, or preparing paperwork for international use, it’s important to understand how a shutdown affects the process.

What is a Government Shutdown?

A government shutdown happens when Congress does not approve funding bills or a temporary budget extension. Without funding, many federal agencies reduce operations or close temporarily, and thousands of federal employees are placed on furlough.

Essential services — like national security, postal delivery, and public safety — continue. But administrative services, including federal apostille processing, often slow down or stop until the government reopens.

How a Government Shutdown Affects Federal Apostille Services

The U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications is responsible for issuing apostilles for federal documents under the Hague Apostille Convention. During a shutdown, this office operates with limited staff, creating:

• Delays in apostille processing for federal documents like FBI background checks, USDA certificates, court records, and other federally issued paperwork.

• Longer wait times for document authentication and legalization requests.

• Limited customer support, meaning fewer updates and slower response times for questions about your application.

This can be especially disruptive if you need an apostille quickly for:

• Immigration applications

• International adoptions

• Overseas employment or education

• Business transactions abroad

Do State Apostilles Stop During a Shutdown?

No. State-level apostilles are not affected. For example, if you need a Maryland apostille for a birth certificate, marriage certificate, notarized affidavit, or other state-issued document, those requests continue to be processed as normal through the Secretary of State’s office.

What You Can Do to Prepare

If you anticipate needing a federal apostille, plan ahead:

• Submit your documents well in advance of your deadlines.

• Work with a professional who tracks government updates and can advise you.

• Consider whether your documents can be issued or notarized at the state level to avoid federal delays.

Final Thoughts

A government shutdown is temporary, but the ripple effect on apostille services can last weeks or even months. Being proactive ensures you’re not caught off guard when time-sensitive international paperwork is involved.

At Notary Nexus & Solutions, we help clients in Maryland, D.C., and beyond navigate both state apostille services and federal apostille requests. If you need guidance or support during a government shutdown, we are here to assist.

📞 Contact us today at 240.926.6558 or visit notarynexushub.net to learn how we can help you with apostille services during a government shutdown.