French Document Apostille in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

France and the United States are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. A U.S. public document used in France needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state and a translation into French by an accredited translator. French consulates do not authenticate U.S. public records.

Quick facts

The translation requirement is specific. French consular services ask for translations by a translator accredited by the professional association, and a translation made by anyone else is routinely refused.

Fees breakdown

Apostille first, translate second, so the translation covers the apostille too. Doing it the other way round means paying twice.

How to prepare a document for France

1. Order a certified copy from the issuing office. Photocopies are refused.
2. Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary’s signature.
3. File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or the U.S. Department of State for federal records.
4. Commission the translation from an accredited translator once the apostille is attached.
5. Keep the original, the apostille and the translation together as a single set.

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 consulates do instead

They transcribe civil status events into the French register, issue passports and identity cards, certify signatures for French nationals, keep the register of French residents abroad and handle nationality files.

Additional notes

French documents going the other way

French public documents are apostilled in France by the court of appeal with jurisdiction over the issuing authority, not by consulates abroad.

Freshness rules

Most French procedures want a full copy of a civil status record issued within the last three months, which applies to U.S. documents too in practice.

Paternity documents

For births outside marriage, the acknowledgment of paternity has to be apostilled in its own right. It is a separate document from the birth certificate.

Order two copies

French offices keep what they receive. Two apostilled originals save repeating the chain from abroad.