Germany Apostille & Document Authentication
Germany’s federal and state systems make the issuing office especially important. Start with the document’s origin, rather than assuming that a German consulate can apostille any document.
German-issued records
BfAA handles most German federal authority and court documents, with a patent-related exception. Länder responsibility varies: ask the issuer which office covers your record. Submit the required original.
U.S. records for use in Germany
Germany’s guidance explains that an apostille is issued in the country that issued the public document. German missions cannot issue apostilles. Give Premier the German recipient’s instructions before arranging certification or translation.
Translations are a separate question
A translator’s certification alone does not make a translation apostillable. A court’s verification of the translator’s status can be a public document. Confirm the recipient’s accepted format.
Frequently asked questions
Can the German consulate apostille my record?
No. Use the designated authority in the issuing country.
Which authority handles a German state record?
Responsibility differs among Länder. Confirm it with the record’s issuing office before submission.
Official sources
Reviewed on 2026-10-13
Premier document review and timing
Missouri service takes 24–48 hours; other-state service typically takes 5–7 business days. We confirm the estimate for your document and submission route. Federal timing is confirmed after document review. Shipping time is additional. These are Premier service estimates, not government guarantees.
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST. By appointment only.
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