Embassy Legalization Services

We coordinate the required authentication chain for documents going to the UAE, Qatar, Thailand, Nigeria, Kuwait, and Jordan, from the correct U.S. authority through the destination embassy.

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Most orders require the original document. Complete the intake before shipping.

Correct Route

Based on document and destination

Originals Protected

Trackable shipping instructions

End-to-End Filing

State, USDOS, and embassy

Supported destinations

Typical processing stages

99%

Usually require originals

7-9 days

Estimated USDOS processing

Apostille vs. legalization

The Destination Determines the Process

An apostille is used for participating Hague Apostille Convention destinations. For supported non-apostille destinations, the document instead follows authentication and embassy legalization.

Apostille Route

A designated state or federal authority issues one apostille certificate for use in a Hague Convention destination.

Legalization Route

The document moves through a chain of certifications so the destination embassy can legalize it for use in that country.

Read the U.S. Department of State authentication requirements

How embassy legalization works

One Order, Every Required Stage

We review the document type first because federal and non-federal documents enter the chain at different points.

State Certification

State-issued, notarized, academic, corporate, and private documents are certified by the appropriate state authority when required.

USDOS Authentication

The U.S. Department of State authenticates the preceding official signature or seal. Federal documents begin at this stage and skip state certification.

Embassy Legalization

The destination country's embassy or consulate performs the final legalization step before the document is returned to you.

Document requirements

Plan to Send the Original

Approximately 99% of legalization orders require an original physical document. Complete the online intake first. We will issue a work order number and provide trackable shipping instructions before you send anything.

If a true copy is specifically accepted, we still need the original true-copy certification with its wet signature for authentication.

Civil and vital records
Diplomas and transcripts
Corporate and commercial documents
Affidavits, powers of attorney, and private documents
Federal agency and federal court documents
Foreign-issued documents, subject to route review

Transparent pricing

Legalization Fees by Destination

Fees are per document. Totals below show the typical non-federal route and include state certification, USDOS authentication, the embassy fee, and our service fee.

United Arab Emirates

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $57.17
Our service fee: $245.00

Typical total$507.17

Federal document total: $397.17 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

Thailand

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $15.00
Our service fee: $249.00

Typical total$469.00

Federal document total: $359.00 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

Nigeria

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $150.00
Our service fee: $249.00

Typical total$604.00

Federal document total: $494.00 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

Kuwait

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $25.00
Our service fee: $249.00

Typical total$479.00

Federal document total: $369.00 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

Qatar

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $41.00
Our service fee: $299.00

Typical total$545.00

Federal document total: $435.00 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

Jordan

State certification: $110.00
USDOS authentication: $95.00
Embassy fee: $49.62
Our service fee: $249.00

Typical total$503.62

Federal document total: $393.62 because the $110 state-certification step does not apply.

USDOS is estimated at 7 to 9 business days. State and embassy timing varies. Shipping time is separate.

Return shipping and optional add-ons are separate.

Legalization FAQ

Embassy Legalization Questions

What is the difference between an apostille, authentication, and legalization?

An apostille is the simplified certificate used between participating Hague Apostille Convention countries. A non-apostille destination generally requires authentication by the relevant U.S. authorities followed by legalization at its embassy or consulate.

Do I need to mail my original document?

Most likely. Approximately 99% of legalization orders require the original physical document. Complete the intake first and wait for your work order number and shipping instructions before mailing it.

Can a federal document be legalized?

Yes. A federal document starts with U.S. Department of State authentication and then moves to the destination embassy. Secretary of State certification does not apply to a federal document.

Which document types can be legalized?

Civil, academic, corporate, commercial, private, federal, and foreign-issued documents can be reviewed for legalization. The exact preparation requirements depend on the document and destination.

Which countries do you currently support for embassy legalization?

The dedicated intake currently supports the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Nigeria, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

How long does embassy legalization take?

U.S. Department of State authentication is estimated at 7 to 9 business days. State certification and embassy processing times vary, and shipping time is separate.

Related services

Start Your Embassy Legalization Order

Choose the destination and document type. The intake will show the correct fee breakdown and shipping requirements.