Consulate Three-Level Authentication Service Phone 518-956-5673

Steps for Three-Level Authentication

The steps for three-level authentication are as follows. You can adjust the process based on your specific situation.

Step 1: Notarization of Documents

First, have the documents notarized by a local Notary Public or obtain a "Certified Copy" from the relevant authority.

(1) Documents issued by state governments, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates

Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates are all issued by state governments. The process varies depending on the policies of the state where the certificate was issued. For example, a birth certificate issued by the state of Maryland does not require notarization by a local Notary Public and can proceed directly to Step 3: Secretary of State authentication. However, a birth certificate issued by the state of New York must first be authenticated by a local court before it can be accepted by the Secretary of State.

(2) Documents drafted by individuals, such as powers of attorney, declarations, complaints, and corporate business documents

Apart from documents issued by state governments, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates, other documents like powers of attorney, declarations, complaints, corporate business document authentication, and certifications of copies matching the original must proceed to Step 2: local court authentication.

Step 2: Local Court Authentication

After completing the notarization in Step 1, you need to take the documents to the local court where the notary is registered for authentication. The local court will attach a separate authentication document to the first page of your certified file. Please ensure the integrity and validity of this authentication document and avoid disassembling or altering it.

Some states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland) require authentication by the COUNTY CLERK before applying for Secretary of State authentication. This step also needs to be completed by yourself.

Notary services are often free at your own bank. Additionally, when notarizing, make sure to include the notarial wording. The overall effect should look like the image below:

Note: Requirements vary by state. Some states allow you to skip local court authentication and proceed directly to Secretary of State authentication.

Step 3: Secretary of State Certification

After completing local court authentication, proceed to the Secretary of State certification step. The main purpose of this step is to verify the authenticity of the local court authentication.

Secretary of State certification is divided into two types: Certificate and Apostille. Please note that the type of certification required for this step is Certificate. If your certification is an Apostille, the embassy will not accept it.

Reminder: To apply for Secretary of State certification, you can use Google to search for keywords such as "state name + certification," for example, "nevada certificate" or "new york birth certificate." Find the relevant state government page to apply online or by mail.

You can also visit: https://www.jinqiaofanyi.com/state-certificate (U.S. Secretary of State Notarization and Authentication - Self-Service)

Step 4: U.S. Department of State Authentication (Also Known as Four-Level Authentication)

The Department of State Authentication Office only accepts application materials between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, which significantly increases the difficulty of the application. You can entrust us to handle this step on your behalf.

Step 5: Chinese Embassy Authentication

Applicants should submit their authentication applications to the relevant consulate based on their jurisdiction.

 

Basic Principles for Notarization and Authentication:

1. Documents issued by foreign government agencies, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, degree certificates, and transcripts, all require authentication.

2. For documents drafted by individuals, such as powers of attorney, declarations, and complaints, whether notarization or authentication is required depends on your current status. If you are currently a Chinese citizen, you can directly notarize the documents at the embassy or choose to entrust us to handle the authentication for you. If you have already obtained U.S. citizenship, you must follow the authentication process.