Document attestation refers to authorizing documents for use in other countries. These are documents normally needed for business or other functions (e.g., going to school in China) With document attestation for China, there are several steps you’ll need to take, which are discussed below.
Notarize Non-Government Documents
All non-government documents (e.g., power of attorney adoption papers, etc.) must be notarized by a local notary public. These documents include anything not issued by a government agency or department.
County Authorization
Documents authorized in certain states, such as Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee, need to be authorized by the county. This is not a requirement in Washington, DC, although it is a requirement in New York, Georgia, Hawaii, and Kentucky.
Certification by the Secretary of State’s Office
Another requirement with document attestation for China is certification by the Office of the Secretary of State that issued the document(s). In some states, including the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico, documents, including ones issued by the federal government or FBI, must be certified by the US Department of State after certification by the local Secretary of State’s office.
Authentication by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate
Documents must also be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction in or over the state where each document was certified. After this, you should be fine. In some instances, it can be easier to work with a company that’s familiar with the attestation process for China.
Contact US Authentication Service at Usauthentication.com to learn more about the expert team that handles the process of attestation for countries out of the U.S., including China, with confidentially and efficiently.
