How to Apostille a Document for Jordan
If you need to use an American document in Jordan, you must complete the proper authentication process so it will be legally accepted. Many people search for how to apostille a document in the US for use in Jordan, but it is important to understand that Jordan is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means a simple apostille certificate is not enough. Instead, you must complete a full authentication and legalization process.
Understanding the correct steps will help you avoid delays, rejections, and extra fees. Whether you are submitting a birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma, FBI background check, or business document, the process follows a clear path.
Why Jordan Does Not Accept a Standard Apostille
When a country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, a single apostille certificate makes a document valid for international use. However, Jordan is not a member of this treaty. Because of this, you must complete additional steps beyond the state apostille.
Even though people use the term apostille for Jordan, what you actually need is authentication at the state level, authentication at the federal level, and legalization by the Jordanian Embassy. Knowing this difference is important when learning how to apostille a document in the US for use in Jordan.
Identify Your Document Type
The first step is determining whether your document is state-issued or federally issued.
State-issued documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, school transcripts, diplomas, and notarized documents such as powers of attorney or affidavits. These must first be authenticated by the Secretary of State where the document was issued.
Federally issued documents include FBI background checks or documents signed by federal officials. These require authentication from the US Department of State in Washington, DC.
Before submitting your paperwork, make sure you have an original certified copy. Regular photocopies are not accepted.
Notarization Requirements
If you are submitting a personal or business document, such as a power of attorney, contract, or sworn statement, it must first be notarized by a licensed notary public. The notary confirms your identity and signature, which allows the document to move forward for authentication.
Vital records like birth certificates and marriage certificates do not need notarization if they are official certified copies issued by the proper authority.
Make sure the notary section is completed correctly. Errors in wording or missing information can delay the entire process.
Authentication by the Secretary of State
For state documents, the next step in how to apostille a document in the US for use in Jordan is authentication by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State verifies the signature of the notary or issuing official and attaches a certificate confirming its validity.
When submitting your request, clearly state that the document will be used in Jordan. This helps ensure the correct type of authentication certificate is issued.
Each state has different processing times and fees. Some states offer walk-in service, while others require mailing your documents.
Authentication by the US Department of State
After state authentication, your document must be sent to the US Department of State Office of Authentications. This office verifies the seal and signature of the state official.
This step is required before the Jordanian Embassy will legalize your document. Without federal authentication, the embassy will reject your paperwork.
Be sure to include the proper forms and payment. Processing times can vary, so it is wise to allow extra time if you have a deadline.
Legalization by the Jordanian Embassy
The final step is legalization by the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, DC. The embassy reviews the federally authenticated document and applies its official stamp or seal.
Once the embassy completes legalization, your document is officially recognized for use in Jordan. You can then submit it for residency, employment, education, marriage registration, business transactions, or other legal matters.
Always check the embassy’s current requirements before sending your documents. Fees, forms, and submission instructions may change.
Common Documents That Require Legalization for Jordan
Many people complete this process each year. Common documents include birth certificates for family sponsorship, marriage certificates for residency applications, diplomas for employment, FBI background checks for work permits, and commercial documents for international trade.
Making sure you follow the correct process will prevent costly delays once your documents arrive in Jordan.
Using a Professional Apostille Service
Because the process involves multiple offices and detailed requirements, some people choose to use a professional apostille or document legalization service. These services handle the submission process from start to finish, including state authentication, federal authentication, and embassy legalization.
While this adds an extra cost, it can save time and reduce the risk of errors, especially if you are unfamiliar with government procedures.
Conclusion
If you are researching how to apostille a document in the US for use in Jordan, it is important to understand that Jordan requires full authentication and embassy legalization rather than a simple apostille. The process includes notarization if needed, authentication by the Secretary of State, authentication by the US Department of State, and final legalization by the Jordanian Embassy.
Although the process may seem complicated, following each step carefully will ensure your documents are legally accepted in Jordan. Planning ahead and allowing enough processing time will help you avoid unnecessary stress and delays.
