How to Get Genealogy Records from the National Archives and Apostille Them Fast

If you're tracing your family history and need official U.S. records authenticated for use overseas, this guide will help you find the right documents and get them apostilled quickly through the U.S. Department of State.

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What Is an Apostille?

An apostille certifies the authenticity of U.S. public documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For federal records, the U.S. Department of State is the only authority that issues apostilles.

🔗 Learn more here:
U.S. Department of State – Apostille Requirements

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How to Request Genealogical Records from the National Archives

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1. Ship Passenger Arrival Records (1820–1959)

How to Access:

• National Archives Catalog — search “ship passenger lists” and filter for digital records.
• Access to Archival Databases (AAD) — search passenger records by port.
• Fold3 and Ancestry.com — free access available at NARA facilities.

Order Copies:
Submit Form NATF 81 to request digital or mailed records.

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2. Individual Census Records (1790–1940)

Free Online Resources:

• NARA Census Collection
• FamilySearch Census Database
• In-person research via NARA’s Microfilm Catalog.

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3. Eastern Cherokee Applications (1906–1909)

Digitized Access:

• Search Guion Miller Roll
• View records on Fold3.

Order Copies:
Submit Form NATF 83

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4. Federal Land Entry Files

Where to Search:

• BLM General Land Office (GLO) Records

Order Files:
Submit Form NATF 84 – $50 fee.

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5. Military Pension Files (Revolutionary–Civil War)

Online Access:

• Fold3 – Military Pension Files

Request Copies:
Use Form NATF 85

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6. Bounty Land Warrant Applications

How to Search:
Look up “bounty land” in the National Archives Catalog

Order Records:
Also use Form NATF 85

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7. Compiled Military Service Records (up to Spanish-American War)

Digital Access:

• Fold3 – Military Service Records

Order Online:
Through NARA’s Military Service Portal

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Extra Help & Resources

• Genealogy Research Help
• NARA’s YouTube Videos on Genealogy
• Find a NARA Facility
• Still have questions? Email: archives1reference@nara.gov

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Need an Apostille? DC Mobile Notary Can Help

If your records are for use abroad, they must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Standard processing by mail takes 4–5 weeks.

DC Mobile Notary offers a faster option — we hand-deliver your documents and process the apostille within 9 business days.

✅ In-person submission to the Department of State
✅ Faster turnaround
✅ Nationwide clients welcome

🔗 Learn more or get started here:
dcmobilenotary.com/apostille

📞 Call/Text: 202-247-0837
📧 Email: support@dcmobilenotary.com

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