Document Authentication & Legalization Services

An apostille and an authentication certificate are not the same thing.

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If your document will be used in a country where the Hague Apostille Convention applies, an apostille is generally used to authenticate the document for international use.

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For countries that are not covered by the Hague Apostille Convention, documents may instead require an authentication certificate and additional embassy or consulate legalization. The U.S. Department of State specifically distinguishes authentication certificates for documents being used in non-Hague countries from apostille certificates used for Hague Convention countries.

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Not sure which process you need? Send me the destination country and document type before ordering service.

Document Authentication for Non-Hague Countries

The authentication and legalization process varies depending on where the document originated and where it will be used.

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1. Document Preparation or Notarization

Some privately issued documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, authorization letters, and certain business documents, may require notarization before authentication.

Government-issued documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and court records generally require an eligible original or certified copy rather than notarization.

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2. State Authentication

State-issued documents and documents notarized within a state may first require authentication by the appropriate state authority.

Examples can include:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Divorce decrees and court records

• Powers of attorney and affidavits

• Corporate and business documents

• Diplomas and transcripts

• Other state or locally issued records

The U.S. Department of State currently instructs applicants seeking federal authentication of state documents to first have the document authenticated by the state that issued it.

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3. U.S. Department of State Authentication

When required, the document proceeds to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications for federal authentication.

Federal documents can also begin at this level when appropriate. Examples include FBI Identity History Summaries, federal court documents, and certain other federally issued records.

The Department of State currently requires Form DS-4194, identification of the destination country, and a $20 federal fee per document for authentication services.

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4. Embassy or Consulate Legalization

For some non-Hague destinations, authentication is followed by legalization through the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate.

Embassy requirements vary by country and can include application forms, fees, identification, translations, supporting documentation, or specific submission procedures.