How to Easily Legalize Your Documents for Use in Mexico

How to Legalize Your Documents for Use in Mexico

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the requirements of legalizing your documents for use in Mexico? Our translation company specializes in legal translation services and has prepared a comprehensive guide to assist you through the process:

How to Legalize Your Documents for Use in Mexico

1. Determine If an Apostille Is Required

Mexico is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents originating from other member countries typically only need an apostille to be recognized in Mexico. This eliminates the need for additional consular legalization.
Documents that often require an apostille include birth, marriage, and death certificates, educational diplomas, and court decisions.

2. Get Your Document Notarized

Before you can obtain an apostille, your document must first be notarized by a certified notary public in the country where the document was issued.

3. Obtain the Apostille

After notarization, submit the document to the appropriate government authority in your country (e.g., the Secretary of State in the U.S.) to receive the apostille. This process usually takes a few business days but may vary depending on your location and the document type.

4. Certified Translation to Mexican Spanish

If your document is not in Spanish, it must be translated by a certified translator in Mexico. The translation must be performed by someone certified by the Mexican judiciary, as they are authorized to translate official documents for legal purposes in Mexico.
The translation process involves having the original document and its apostille translated, then certified with the translator’s official stamp. This stamp is essential for the translation to be accepted by Mexican authorities.

5. Submitting the Document in Mexico

Once you have the apostilled and translated document, it is ready to be submitted to the relevant Mexican authorities, such as government offices, universities, or courts, depending on your needs.

6. Additional Considerations

Be aware that some Mexican states may have specific requirements regarding the acceptance of certified translations. It’s advisable to check whether they accept translations certified in Mexico City or if they require a local translator.