The document legalization process for documents originating in the United States and are intended for countries outside the Hague Convention, the receiving country often demands proof of the authenticity of the signatures and seals of the issuing authorities. This process is essential for ensuring the validity of the documents for use abroad. List of Country
Notarization: The document must first be notarized by a duly authorized notary public. This involves the notary verifying the identity of the signatory and confirming that they are signing the document willingly.
Authentication: After notarization, the document is authenticated by the Secretary of State's office in the state where the notary is commissioned. This step confirms the authority of the notary public who notarized the document.
Legalization: Once authenticated at the state level, the document may require further legalization by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This step verifies the signature and seal of the state official who authenticated the document.
Consular Legalization: Finally, the document may need to be legalized by the consulate or embassy of the receiving country in the United States. This step validates the document for use in the foreign country's legal system.
Each step in the process adds another layer of authentication to ensure the document's validity and acceptability in the foreign jurisdiction. It's essential to follow these steps meticulously to avoid any delays or complications in the legalization process.
Example: Affidavit, Copy of Articles of Organization, Agency Agreement, Business Letter, Agency Agreement, Power of Attorney.
The initial step in the legalization process for company documents is to notarize the individual’s signature on the document. Notarization involves a public official, known as a notary, verifying the identity of the signatory and confirming their willingness to sign the document.
As a public official, the notary’s signature and seal can then be authenticated and legalized. This authentication process typically involves the Secretary of State's office in the state where the notary is commissioned, followed byauthentication from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and consular legalization by the embassy or consulate of the receiving country.
Example: Certificate to Foreign Government (CFG), Certificate of Pharmaceutical Products (CPP), FBI Background Check, USPTO Trademark Certificate, Certificate of Environmental Protection Agency.
Documents issued by a federal agency, such as the Patent and Trademark Office or the Comptroller of the Currency.
The initial step in the legalization process is to obtain the certified document from the appropriate federal agency, either as a digital file or a paper file. Once the document is certified, it is then authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This authentication confirms the validity of the document at the federal level.
Following authentication by the Department of State, the document may proceed to consular legalization by the embassy or consulate of the receiving country. This final step ensures that the document is recognized and accepted for use in the legal system of the foreign country.
Example: Commercial Invoice, Certificate Of Origin, Packing List, Bill Of Lading.
The initial step in the legalization process for commercial documents is to sign and notarize the document. Notarization entails a notary public verifying the identity of the signatory and confirming their willingness to sign the document.
After notarization, the document must be stamped by the local chamber of commerce to authenticate the notary’s signature and seal. This authentication confirms the validity of the notarization process.
Subsequently, the document may proceed to legalization by the embassy or consulate of the receiving country. This final step ensures that the document is recognized and accepted for use in the commercial transactions of the foreign jurisdiction.
