Lebanon uses the legalisation chain rather than the apostille, and the missions are explicit about the step before theirs: documents must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the issuing state before the Lebanese office will look at them.
Quick facts
Payment rules are strict and vary by post. One honorary consulate accepts cashier’s checks only and requires a stamped self-addressed USPS envelope specifically, not a courier one.
The chain
| Step | Who does it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notarisation | U.S. notary public | For private documents and letters |
| State authentication | Secretary of State | Explicitly required |
| Federal authentication | U.S. Department of State | Where the chain requires it |
| Consular legalisation | Lebanese mission | Final step for use in Lebanon |
| Arabic translation | Usually in Lebanon | Confirm with the receiving office |
Medical bills are a distinctive case: several posts certify them for insurance or reimbursement purposes, and they must be notarised and then certified by the Secretary of State before the consulate acts.
How to prepare a document
- Ask the receiving office in Lebanon exactly what it requires.
- Order a certified copy, or have the private document notarised.
- Obtain the Secretary of State authentication.
- Send to the mission covering your state with the correct form of payment.
- Include a copy of every original and a stamped self-addressed envelope of the type specified.
- Arrange the Arabic translation as the receiving office instructs.
Required documents
- Original document, authenticated by the Secretary of State.
- A copy of every original submitted.
- Copy of your Lebanese identity document and your driving licence.
- Cashier’s check for the fee, made out to that specific mission.
- Stamped self-addressed envelope of the type the post requires.
What the missions do
They issue passports and travel documents, produce and renew civil register extracts, legalise documents, execute powers of attorney and trusts, issue life certificates, certify medical bills, and process citizenship reacquisition and renunciation.
Consulate General of Lebanon
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of Lebanon
View details →New YorkConsulate General of Lebanon
View details →Parma HeightsHonorary Consulate of Lebanon, Cleveland, Ohio
View details →PhoenixHonorary Consulate of Lebanon in Arizona
View details →SouthfieldConsulate General of Lebanon in Detroit
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Lebanon
View details →Additional notes
Life certificates
Pensioners abroad must certify annually that they are alive. The requirement is a notarised letter authenticated by the Secretary of State, with a fee per certificate.
Fees differ by post
As with passports, each mission publishes its own tariff for legalisation. Read the page of the one that covers you.
Include copies of everything
Several posts require a copy of each original alongside it, and returning a file for that reason costs weeks.
Order two originals
Lebanese offices keep what they receive, and the chain is long enough that you will not want to repeat it.