Ecuador and the United States are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. A U.S. public document used in Ecuador needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state, plus a Spanish translation. Ecuadorian documents travelling the other way are apostilled by the foreign ministry, which runs an online service.
Quick facts
Consulates also legalise and apostille within their own remit, which is useful when a document issued by the consulate itself has to be used in Ecuador or here.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on an Ecuadorian document | Online service | Ecuadorian foreign ministry |
| Consular legalisation | Consular tariff | Within the consulate’s remit |
| Translation into Spanish | Per page | Certified translator |
Apostille the original first and translate afterwards, so the translation covers the apostille as well.
How to prepare a document for Ecuador
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office rather than using a photocopy.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary’s signature.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or the U.S. Department of State for federal records.
- Arrange the Spanish translation.
- Check with the receiving office in Ecuador how recent the document must be.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed state authentication request and payment.
- Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
- Photo ID for in-person service.
What the consulate does instead
It renews passports and identity cards, registers births and marriages abroad, draws up powers of attorney, issues life and residence certificates and provides consular assistance.
General Consulate of Ecuador in Atlanta
View details →ChicagoConsulado General del Ecuador/Consulate General of Ecuador
View details →HoustonConsulado del Ecuador en Houston
View details →Long Island CityEcuadorian Embassy
View details →Los AngelesConsulado del Ecuador en Los Angeles
View details →ManhattanConsulate General of Ecuador
View details →MiamiGeneral Consulate of Ecuador
View details →NewarkConsulate General of Ecuador
View details →PhoenixConsulate General Of Ecuador
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Ecuador
View details →Additional notes
Ecuadorian documents online
The foreign ministry’s online apostille service means relatives in Ecuador no longer need to queue on your behalf for most records.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.
Translations
Ask the receiving office which translation format it accepts before commissioning one in the United States.
Order two copies
Ecuadorian offices keep what they receive. A spare apostilled original saves repeating the chain.