Apostille for Mexico
Mexico is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so U.S. documents for use in Mexico need a state or federal apostille — not consular legalization. We handle the full process for you.
Serving clients across California and nationwide. Same-day rush available for urgent cases.
Why Mexico requires an apostille on U.S. documents
Mexico joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which means Mexican government offices, notarios públicos, courts, banks, and schools accept U.S. public documents that carry a valid apostille. Without it, your documents will not be recognized.
- State documents (birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates, court records, school records, and notarized documents like powers of attorney or affidavits) are apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where they were issued or notarized.
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, IRS letters, Social Security letters, and other federal agency records) are authenticated and apostilled through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
- Some Mexican offices may also require a certified Spanish translation of your apostilled documents, depending on the purpose and receiving agency.
Why people need U.S. documents apostilled for Mexico
Temporary and permanent residency applications through INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) often require apostilled U.S. birth certificates, marriage certificates, and FBI background checks.
Civil registry offices (Registro Civil) typically require apostilled birth certificates and, if previously married, apostilled divorce decrees or death certificates. Single-status affidavits may also be needed.
Buying or selling property through a Mexican notario público often requires apostilled powers of attorney, corporate documents, or proof of identity and marital status.
Mexican consulates and SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) offices may require apostilled U.S. birth certificates for dual-nationality registration or passport applications.
Opening bank accounts, registering a company, or conducting business through a notario in Mexico may require apostilled articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, or corporate powers of attorney.
Enrolling in Mexican schools or having U.S. degrees recognized by SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública) may require apostilled diplomas, transcripts, or enrollment verification letters.
Common documents we apostille for use in Mexico
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees and certificates, death certificates, single-status affidavits, and name-change orders.
Divorce decrees, custody orders, adoption judgments, court-ordered name changes, and other certified court documents.
FBI background checks (Identity History Summary), IRS tax letters, Social Security benefit verification letters, and USCIS naturalization certificates.
Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, corporate resolutions, operating agreements, and powers of attorney used with Mexican notarios or banks.
High school and college diplomas, official transcripts, enrollment and graduation verification letters, and professional licenses or certifications.
General and special powers of attorney, consent letters, affidavits, and other notarized documents that Mexican notarios, courts, or government agencies will need to see with an apostille attached.
How we handle apostilles for Mexico
Step 1 — Document review
You tell us which documents you have, where they were issued, and what they will be used for in Mexico. We review each one and confirm whether it is ready for apostille or needs corrections, reissuance, or notarization first.
Step 2 — Preparation
We handle any needed notarization (we are commissioned notaries), request certified copies if yours are outdated or incomplete, and organize every document so it meets the Secretary of State’s or U.S. Department of State’s submission requirements.
Step 3 — Apostille submission
We submit your documents to the correct office — the Secretary of State for state-issued and notarized documents, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — with all required forms, fees, and return packaging.
Step 4 — Return & delivery
Once your apostilled documents are returned to us, we inspect them to make sure everything is correct and then deliver or ship them to you with tracking. If you also need a Spanish translation, we can coordinate that before delivery.
Tips for getting your documents accepted in Mexico
- Recently issued records: Many Mexican offices prefer vital records and good-standing certificates dated within the last few months. Older documents may be questioned or rejected.
- Spanish translations: While not always required at the apostille stage, most Mexican government offices, notarios, and courts expect a certified Spanish translation of your apostilled English-language documents.
- Notario requirements: If you are working with a notario público in Mexico for property, business, or legal matters, ask them exactly which documents they need and in what format — notarios often have specific requirements beyond the standard apostille.
- Consulate appointments: If you are applying through a Mexican consulate in the U.S., confirm their document checklist before your appointment so you arrive with every apostilled record they expect to see.
- INM immigration filings: For residency applications, INM offices may require specific combinations of documents — tell us your visa category and we will help you prepare the right set.
How long does a Mexico apostille take?
Typically 3–10 business days by mail for California; other states vary. Walk-in or expedited options are available in some states and can reduce this to 1–3 days.
U.S. Department of State processing is typically 4–8 weeks by mail. Required for FBI background checks, IRS letters, and other federal agency records.
Certified Spanish translations typically take 2–5 business days depending on document length and complexity. We can coordinate this so it is ready when your apostille arrives.
We give you a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific documents and deadline before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Ready to get your documents apostilled for Mexico?
Tell us what documents you have, which Mexican office or notario will receive them, and when you need them ready — we will confirm the steps, timeline, and cost before you commit.
Same-day rush available for urgent cases. Serving clients across California and nationwide.