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Document Authentication Services
Provided by Embassy Visa and Passport Services, LLC

Official documents that are produced in the U.S. usually are not valid in other countries until they have been authenticated by the U.S. Government and legalized by the consulate of the desired country. The full authentication and legalization process can involve several different government agencies.

Embassy Visa and Passport Services, LLC offers complete document authentication and legalization services. We provide authentication services to US Corporations, US Citizens and foreign nationals on all documents that will be used overseas.

Documents that are commonly requested for authentication purposes include corporate documents such as company by laws and articles of incorporation, power of attorney, patent applications and trademarks, diplomas, transcripts, letters relating to degrees, non-marital status, references and job certifications, home studies, deeds of assignments, distributorship agreements, papers for adoption purposes, etc.

The complexity of the legalization process depends on the country in which each document must be used. About 50 countries have signed the Hague Convention on Documents, which allows for an abbreviated legalization process called an apostille. Embassy Visa and Passport Services, LLC can assist with the apostille process.

Certain Countries have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, which allows documents with an Apostille to be used directly in said country.

If the document you have needs to be used in a country other than those listed above the following information must be obtained before we can begin the authentication process.

1. Signed before a notary public;

2. Certified by the clerk of the Court of the County in which the notary is commissioned; and

3. Certified by the Secretary of the State in which the document was signed.

Please note:

• All Seals and Signatures must be original.
  
• All documents in foreign text must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

We will have the document authenticated by the Department of State and by the Embassy of the Country where the document will be utilized.

Once the following procedures have been completed, please send the documents to the following address:

$59.00 for the first document
$39.00 for each additional document processed at the same time

Add $30.00 for rush processing for a single document and $15.00 for each additional document processed at the same time

The fees for the Department of State and respective Embassy are additional.

The normal processing time is 2 weeks for both authentications.
Rush processing is available. Please give us a call at 1800-944-2420 for additional information.

Authenticating Documents through the Department of State

The Department of State is responsible for providing authentication services to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals on all documents that will be used overseas.

The Authentications Office receives a variety of documents from commercial organizations, private citizens, and officials of the Federal and State Governments. The Office is responsible for issuing certificates under the Seal of the Department of State. It also ensures that the requested information will serve in the interest of justice and is not contrary to U.S. policy.

Please note the following information must be obtained before the authentication process can begin.

1. Signed before a notary public.

2.  Certified by the clerk of Court of the County in which the document is commissioned.*

3.  Certified by the Secretary of State of the State in which the document is executed.

4.  All seals and signatures must be originals.

5. All dates must follow in chronological order on all certifications.

6. All documents in foreign text must be accompanied with a certified (notarized) English translation.

7. Whenever a copy (if acceptable) is used, it must include a statement that it is a true and accurate copy.

8. Foreign governments require the U.S. Department of State to authenticate documents in order for the document to be considered legal.  Therefore, it is suggested that you contact the embassy of the particular country to determine what documents are needed for transactions.

*Item 2 may be omitted if the authority in item 3 will certify directly tothe notary.

A request for authentication services under 22 CFR, Part 131, should include the reason for authentication and the name of the country where the document will be used.

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Public Documents

Required Certification for Public Documents and Court Records

Birth, marriage and death certificates and court files (divorce decrees, probated will, judgment, etc.)

1. Certified by the custodial of those records;

2. Certified by the Secretary of State of the State in which the document is recorded. The Secretary of State should be requested to certify to the official signing the document under the impressed Seal of the State.

Documents Executed by Federal Agencies and Courts of the District of Columbia U.S. Department of Justice, Library of Congress, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Court of Appeals, Department of Commerce, etc.

1. Certified under the official seal of the agency or the Court.

Animal Health Certifications
Certified under the official Seal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the State in which the document originates.

General Documents

Required Certification for General Documents
Diplomas, Power-of-Attorney, agreements, bylaws, transcripts, deeds of assignments, etc.

1. Acknowledged before a notary public;

2. Certified by the clerk of court of the country in which the notary is commissioned;*

3. Certified by the Secretary of State of the state in which the document is executed. The Secretary of State's office is located in the state capitol.

* Item 2 may be omitted if the authority in item 3 will certify directly to the notary.

Documents originating in the District of Columbia must be certified by the Notarial Section of the District of Columbia.

Doing Business

Please include a cover-letter (see attached copy) with your day time telephone number, address, name and country where the document will be used, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.  You may use express mail services for faster receipt/return of your documents.

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