Affidavit Authentication for International Use

Purpose of Authentication

An affidavit must be authenticated to be accepted by authorities outside the United States. This process verifies the notary’s authority and the issuing jurisdiction so the affidavit can be legally recognized abroad.

Required Steps

  • Notarization
    The affidavit must be properly signed and notarized before submission.

  • State Authentication
    The notarized affidavit is certified by the Secretary of State where the notarization took place.

  • U.S. Department of State Processing
    Federal authentication is completed when required for international use.

  • Apostille or Embassy Legalization
    The final step is completed based on the destination country’s requirements.

Important Notes / Requirements

  • Original notarized affidavits are generally required. Copies are commonly rejected.

  • The affidavit format must be complete and correctly executed before submission.

  • Missing notary information, incorrect dates, or alterations often cause delays.

An affidavit example or template must still be finalized and notarized to be acceptable.

How DC Consular Helps

DCConsular.com handles affidavit authentication end to end. We review your document for compliance, manage state and federal processing, and complete apostille or legalization accurately, minimizing delays and rejections.

Start Your Affidavit Authentication

Submit your affidavit with DC Consular for fast, compliant processing. Our team coordinates directly with the appropriate authorities to ensure your document is ready for international use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement signed under oath for official or legal use.

How to sign notarized affidavit online?
An affidavit may be signed online only when completed through a legally accepted remote online notarization process.

How to write an affidavit?
An affidavit must follow a proper format, include a sworn statement, and be signed before a notary.

Does an affidavit have to be notarized?
Yes. Notarization is required before an affidavit can be authenticated for use abroad.

How to get an affidavit?
An affidavit is prepared by the signer and executed before a notary public.

What happens after an affidavit is filed?
After filing, the affidavit is reviewed by the receiving authority and used as part of the official record or application.