How Do I Apostille Documents for Ecuador?

Quick Answer

US Citizens: Send FBI check to US Department of State ($8, 3-4 weeks). Send birth certificate to your birth state's Secretary of State ($10-50, 1-4 weeks).

Detailed guide: See our comprehensive Ecuador Visa Apostille Requirements Guide

Which Documents Need Apostilles?

✅ FBI background check (or equivalent) ✅ Birth certificate ✅ Marriage certificate (if bringing spouse) ❌ Bank statements (no apostille needed) ❌ Employment letters (no apostille needed) ❌ Pension letters (no apostille needed)

US Citizens: FBI Check Apostille

Step 1: Get FBI Background Check

• Apply at FBI.gov/background-checks
• Standard: 8-12 weeks, $18
• Expedited (via channeler): 3-5 days, $50-100

Step 2: Mail to US Department of State

Send to:

US Department of State
Authentications Office
518 23rd Street NW, SA-1, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20520

Include:

• FBI background check
• Completed DS-4194 form
• $8 check or money order
• Return envelope with postage

Timeline: 3-4 weeks

US Citizens: Birth Certificate Apostille

Step 1: Get Certified Copy

Order from your birth state's vital records office (not current residence state).

Must have raised seal - photocopies won't work.

Step 2: Send to Secretary of State

Google: "[Your State] Secretary of State apostille"

Each state has different process and fees ($2-50).

Timeline: 1-4 weeks depending on state

Expedited Services

Want faster? Use apostille service:

• Apostille Services (apostilleservices.com)
• Apostille Avenue (apostilleavenue.com)

Cost: $100-250 per document Timeline: 5-10 days instead of 3-4 weeks

Canadian Citizens

Canada uses "authentication and legalization" (similar to apostille).

Process:

1. Get RCMP background check
2. Send to Global Affairs Canada (Ottawa)
3. Then to Ecuador Embassy in Ottawa

Timeline: 4-6 weeks total Cost: $75-150

UK Citizens

Process:

1. Get DBS check
2. Send to Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
3. Apostille added

Can do online: gov.uk/get-document-legalised Cost: £30-50 Timeline: 1-3 weeks

Australian Citizens

Process:

1. Get AFP check
2. Send to DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
3. Apostille added

Can do online: dfat.gov.au Cost: ~$80-150 AUD Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Common Mistakes

1. Wrong office - Sending FBI check to state (needs federal apostille)
2. Expired check - FBI check older than 6 months at submission
3. Photocopy - Must be certified original with raised seal
4. Wrong state - Birth certificate needs apostille from birth state, not residence state

Timeline Planning

Conservative:

• Month 1: Apply for FBI check
• Month 2: Receive FBI results, send for apostille
• Month 3: Receive FBI apostille, order birth certificate
• Month 4: Receive BC, send for apostille
• Month 5: All apostilles complete

Aggressive (using expedited):

• Week 1: Apply for expedited FBI check
• Week 2: Receive FBI, send for expedited apostille
• Week 3: Receive apostille, order BC with expedite
• Week 4: BC apostille expedited
• Week 5: All complete

Need Help?

EcuaPass provides:

• Exact instructions for your situation
• State-specific guidance
• Document review before submission
• Verify apostilles are correct

Contact us: WhatsApp: +593-096-284-8410

For complete detailed guide including country-specific resources and troubleshooting, see our Complete Apostille Guide.