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    Apostille Services for China

    If your U.S. document needs to be used in mainland China, it now needs only a U.S. apostille. Since November 7, 2023, the Hague Apostille Convention has been in force between China and the United States, and Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. no longer provide consular authentication for U.S. public documents within the scope of the Convention.

    How it works with Premier Notary & Apostille Services

    1. Share your document and confirm it is for use in China.
    2. We route it by where it was issued: Missouri-issued documents go for a Missouri apostille; documents from another state go for that state's apostille; federal documents, such as an FBI background check, go for a U.S. Department of State apostille through our Washington, D.C. partner, who hand-delivers to the Department of State in person.
    3. Private documents, such as a power of attorney, must be notarized first so they count as public documents, then they can be apostilled.
    4. Your apostilled document is returned to you with tracked shipping. If you also need a certified translation, that service is available, typically delivered back by email within 2 business days.

    Documents commonly apostilled for China

    Documents commonly apostilled for China include birth and marriage certificates, diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, business documents, and FBI background checks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I still need Chinese embassy legalization?

    No. For U.S. public documents within the scope of the Convention, a U.S. apostille is sufficient for mainland China since November 7, 2023. Consular authentication by the Chinese embassy or consulates in the U.S. is no longer required for these documents.

    How long does it take?

    It depends on the route. Federal apostilles through our Washington, D.C. partner average about 2 weeks. State apostille timing varies by the issuing authority.

    What if my document is not a public document yet?

    It must be notarized first, then it can be apostilled.

    Official sources

    Start Your Order

    Start your order at premiernotaryservices.com/book, or see services and pricing at premiernotaryservices.com/apostille-pricing.

    General information only, not legal advice. Requirements may change and must be confirmed with the receiving authority.