Apostille & Document Authentication for Nigeria
Nigeria is NOT a Hague Convention member. Documents require notarization, State Department authentication, and Nigerian Embassy legalization.
Process
Authentication (Consular Legalization)
Hague Member
No
Translation
English
Turnaround
24–72 hr rush
Common U.S. Documents Apostilled for Nigeria
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 Nigeria
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 Nigeria Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. for final consular legalization.
Obtain a certified English translation if required.
Important: Nigeria requires Consular Legalization
Because Nigeria 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 Nigeria Embassy legalization — is required. We manage every step.
Apostille for Nigeria — FAQ
Do I need an apostille or authentication for documents going to Nigeria?
Nigeria 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 Nigeria Embassy legalization.
How long does the apostille process take for Nigeria?
Standard processing typically takes 5–15 business days depending on the issuing state. We offer expedited 24–72 hour service for urgent Nigeria 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 Nigeria need to be translated?
Yes, Nigeria typically requires a certified English translation. We coordinate with sworn/certified translators familiar with Nigeria requirements to ensure your translated documents are accepted.
Can I get an FBI background check apostilled for Nigeria?
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 Nigeria.
What does it cost to apostille a document for Nigeria?
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 Nigeria?
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 Nigeria.
Apostille Services for Other Countries
Ready to Apostille Documents for Nigeria?
Full-service apostille and authentication — we handle every step.