Document authentication is a process that certifies the authenticity of signatures, stamps and seals on documents that are used in a foreign country. It is an important step in legalizing a document for use abroad because it helps to prevent fraud and ensure that public documents such as birth certificates, university degrees and power of attorneys are genuine.

In most cases, a document authentication USA will need a series of authentication certificates that confirm the credentials of the public officials who signed and sealed the document as well as the original seal and stamp on the actual document itself. These certifications can be a long and cumbersome process depending on the destination country’s requirements. These certificates may also need to be signed by the commissioning agency (for government documents), ministries of foreign affairs (e.g. the Department of State for US applicants) and even the consulate of the destination country to be valid.

Federal Apostille for Immigration: Ensuring Legal Compliance

The apostille process is streamlined for countries that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. However, the process of Authentication (or legalization) remains necessary for documents that will be used in countries not participating in this treaty. In most cases, these documents require a Certificate of Authentication issued by the New York Secretary of State.

The process of getting a document authenticated varies by state, type of document and destination country (whether the document requires an apostille or simply a certificate of authentication). Embassies and consulates have their own unique requirements that need to be met in order for documents to be accepted. Working with a service company that has experience working directly with these embassies and consulates can avoid potential delays and expedite the process.