Document Authentication
The Chinese Embassy/Consulate authenticates documents that are executed in the United States, which can then be used in China for official purposes. These types of documents include: marriage certificates, diplomas, business licenses and formations, birth/death certificates, adoption documents/orders, power of attorney, Single Status Affidavit, etc.
Some Consulates/Embassies refer to Document Authentication as Legalization or Certification, but these terms all have the same meaning for Authentication and the same process shall be followed. The process for Authentication is a very thorough process to ensure the integrity of the document being presented to the Chinese Government are legitimate documents.
We have detailed the necessary steps to be followed to make this process as easy as possible for all of our applicants who use our professional and convenient Document Authentication services.
The Houston Consulate is only able to authenticate those documents issued, in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS :
Step 1 – Notarize the Documents
Have your document notarized by a local notary public unless it is an original certified copy/certification issued by an official Federal/ State/local Office. Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates do not need to be notarized.
Step 2 – Get Certified by the Secretary of State or County Officials
Send your notarized documents to be certified by the Secretary of the State (SOS) where the document was issued or executed. Examples would be governmental documents such as birth/death certificates, marriage certificates, business licenses, etc. The Secretary of States office will certify these documents for a fee. Check with your local Secretary of State office for fees and instructions.
CTS is able to assist with this the process. Please select the applicable option on the Document Authentication Order Form if you wish for us to complete this step for you.
Documents notarized in AL and GA must be authenticated/certified by the County Clerk before being sent on to China Travel Services for further processing.
Step 3 – Submit to China Travel Services for Processing
After your documents have been certified by the SOS (and/or County Clerk), send both the Original AND a photocopy of the certified document to China Travel Services to be authenticated by the Chinese Consulate/Embassy.
Click Here for the complete detailed instructions on how to complete the China Travel Services Order Form, the Document Authentication Application, applicable fees, and for the list of all required documents that must be submitted with the application.