Apostille & Document Authentication for China
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. U.S. documents now require apostille (no longer consular legalization) for work visas, marriage, and business registration.
Process
Authentication (Consular Legalization)
Hague Member
No
Translation
Mandarin
Turnaround
24–72 hr rush
Common U.S. Documents Apostilled for China
Birth, marriage, and death certificates
FBI background checks (criminal history)
Diplomas, transcripts, and academic records
Power of Attorney and notarized affidavits
Articles of Incorporation and corporate documents
Single Status / No Record of Marriage affidavits
Adoption documents and court orders
Medical records and physician letters
How Consular Legalization Works for China
Have private documents notarized by a commissioned U.S. notary public.
Authenticate the document with the issuing U.S. state's Secretary of State.
Submit to the U.S. Department of State for federal authentication.
Submit to the China Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. for final consular legalization.
Obtain a certified Mandarin translation if required.
Important: China requires Consular Legalization
Because China is not a party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille alone will not be accepted. The full chain — state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, and China Embassy legalization — is required. We manage every step.
Apostille for China — FAQ
Do I need an apostille or authentication for documents going to China?
China is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. U.S. documents require full consular legalization: notarization, state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, and China Embassy legalization.
How long does the apostille process take for China?
Standard processing typically takes 5–15 business days depending on the issuing state. We offer expedited 24–72 hour service for urgent China submissions. Federal documents handled by the U.S. Department of State usually take 8–12 weeks via mail or 1–2 weeks expedited.
Do documents going to China need to be translated?
Yes, China typically requires a certified Mandarin translation. We coordinate with sworn/certified translators familiar with China requirements to ensure your translated documents are accepted.
Can I get an FBI background check apostilled for China?
Yes. FBI background checks are federal documents that must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. We handle the entire process — channeling, FBI report retrieval, and apostille — for use in China.
What does it cost to apostille a document for China?
Costs vary by document type and the issuing state. State apostille fees range from $5–$30 per document, U.S. Department of State authentication is $20 per document, and our service fees include preparation, courier, and tracking. Call 833-430-6800 for a precise quote.
Can a mobile notary handle apostille services for China?
Yes. 1MobileNotary handles the full process: mobile notarization at your location, document preparation, submission to the appropriate Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State, and return delivery — all formatted for acceptance in China.
Apostille Services for Other Countries
Ready to Apostille Documents for China?
Full-service apostille and authentication — we handle every step.