Legalization & Authentication

Certifying Documents for International Use

As the low cost incorporator of entrepreneurs and small businesses, CorpAmerica knows the requirements for having a U.S. document certified for use in another country. Our authentication and legalization services can help international businesses certify their state documents from the United States (called the 'country of origin') for use in the country in which their business is actually operating (the 'country of intent').

Authentication & Legalization Steps

  1. We obtain a document certified by the state government, such as a copy of a formation document or a Certificate of Good Standing.
  2. Next, we request the document's authentication at the U.S. Department of State.
  3. Then, we submit the authenticated document for legalization at the embassy or consulate for the country of intent.

How the Certification Process Works

At each step in the process, the previous step is validated. For instance, the U.S. Department of State's seal attests to the validity of a certified Delaware document, and the federal authentication is validated by the embassy or consulate's stamp. Put together, these steps may allow a business owner to submit a document that has been issued in one jurisdiction to another jurisdiction. This might be required to open a bank account, obtain a loan or participate in certain partnership agreements. The entire process is sometimes also referred to as legalization.

There are fees associated with each step, including the cost of obtaining the initial document to be legalized.  Please contact one of our international business specialists at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448 for a price estimate in your location.

The Apostille Alternative

There is an alternative to the legalization process if the country of intent is a member of the Hague Convention (Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents). Countries that ratified this agreement recognize a document called an apostille, which can be issued by any U.S. state. The apostille also enables a business to certify a U.S. document for use in a foreign country that is a party to the Hague Convention, but it avoids the longer and more costly legalization process.

CorpAmerica can assist in ordering a state document with an apostille.  Simply contact us at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448 to obtain a fee quote and place an order.

When to Legalize

Though obtaining a state document with an apostille is normally a brief and less expensive alternative, there are cases in which authentication and legalization of a document will be necessary. For example, if a country of intent is not a party to the Hague Convention, an apostille may not be recognized. Because it involves several steps, the legalization process can be lengthy and expensive. It is best to contact CorpAmerica well in advance of any deadline in order to place a request for authentication and legalization.

Authentication and Legalization FAQs

1.  What is the difference between authentication and legalization?

Both terms are used to refer to the entire process of certifying a document for use in a foreign country. Authentication usually refers to the U.S. Department of State¿s certification process, whereas legalization usually refers to certification by an embassy or consulate in the country where the document is being sent (country of intent).

2.  How expensive and lengthy is the legalization process?

Fees vary depending upon the country of intent and the original document being legalized. Typically, legalization projects are a minimum of $400.00. For a price estimate for your next legalization project, contact one of our international experts at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448.

Did you know?

Businesses set up as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) issue membership interests in lieu of traditional shares of stock.