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

Panama has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 1991, so a U.S. public document used there needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state. The part that catches people is not the apostille but the translation, where Panama is exacting about who is allowed to produce it.

Quick facts

The consulate is explicit: translations must be by an authorised public translator in Panama or, in the United States, one holding American Translators Association certification. Translations produced by a notary public are not accepted at all.

Fees breakdown

Payments to the consulate are by money order, made out exactly as instructed. Cards are used only for the passport authority’s own online payments.

How to prepare a document for Panama

1. Order the original certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office.
2. Have it apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state.
3. Commission the translation from a certified translator, not a notary.
4. Buy the money order for any consular certification required.
5. Include a prepaid envelope for the return of documents.

Required documents

• Original certificate or certified copy from the vital records office.
• Apostille from the issuing state.
• Certified Spanish translation.
• Money order for the consular fee.
• Prepaid return envelope.

What the consulates do

They issue passports and safe-conducts, renew identity cards at designated posts, register births, marriages and deaths, certify documents and assist Panamanians in difficulty.

Additional notes

Check the translator’s credentials

This is the most common avoidable expense in Panamanian files. Ask for the certification number before paying.

Notaries cannot translate

A notarised translation is not the same thing and will be refused. The rule is stated plainly by the consulate.

Order two copies

Panamanian offices keep what they receive, and repeating apostille and translation is the expensive part.

Never apostille a photocopy

The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.