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1961 Hague Convention / Form DS-4194 / 22 CFR Part 131

US Apostille & Authentication Guide

How to authenticate U.S. documents for use abroad and what USCIS requires for foreign documents.

Two Legal Document Scenarios

Scenario A: U.S. Document → Foreign Country

Authenticating a U.S. document for use abroad. The certificate depends on the document's issuing authority and the destination country's status: an Apostille is used for Hague Convention destinations, while an Authentication Certificate is used for non-Hague destinations.

Scenario B: Foreign Document → USCIS

Submitting a foreign document for a USCIS application. Generally, USCIS does not require an apostille or authentication certificate merely because a foreign document is being submitted. When a document is in a foreign language, USCIS requires a full English translation with the translator's certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.

Scenario A: U.S. Documents for Use Abroad

State-Issued Documents (Birth, Marriage, Diplomas)
  1. Identify destination country: Hague Convention destination (Apostille Certificate) vs non-Hague destination (Authentication Certificate plus any destination-country legalization).
  2. Submit to State Authority: Apply to the Secretary of State or designated authority in the issuing U.S. state.
  3. State Fee: Varies by state and document type; check the issuing state's current fee schedule.

Hague Convention Member Country Examples

🇮🇳 India (2005)🇬🇧 UK🇨🇦 Canada (2024)🇦🇺 Australia🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇯🇵 Japan🇰🇷 S. Korea🇲🇽 Mexico🇧🇷 Brazil

⚠️ These are examples, not an exhaustive list. For a non-Hague destination, the document generally requires U.S. authentication steps followed by the destination country's legalization requirements. Always verify the current HCCH status and the destination authority's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

An Apostille is a streamlined document legalization certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention for use in member countries. An Authentication Certificate is required for non-Hague countries, followed by embassy legalization at the destination country's embassy.

Generally, USCIS does not require an apostille or authentication certificate merely because a foreign document is being submitted. When a document is in a foreign language, USCIS requires a full English translation with the translator's certification that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.

State-issued documents must be authenticated/apostilled by the competent authority designated by the state where the document was issued. Depending on the state and document type, this is often the Secretary of State or another designated state authority. Use an original or properly certified copy that meets that state's requirements.

Federal documents (FBI Identity History Summaries, Naturalization Certificates) must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications along with Form DS-4194 and the $20 federal fee.

India has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since July 14, 2005. A U.S. state apostille is fully recognized in India without requiring additional Indian consulate legalization.

An Apostille certificate generally does not expire by itself. However, the destination authority may require the underlying document to be recent or may impose its own acceptance rules, so an otherwise valid Apostille does not guarantee acceptance of an older underlying document.
Official Government References

• U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications: travel.state.gov/authentications
• USCIS Foreign Document Submissions Guidance: uscis.gov/foreign-documents

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