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

This procedure changed completely on 7 November 2023, when the Hague Apostille Convention entered into force between China and the United States. From that date the Chinese embassy and consulates general in the U.S. ceased consular authentication services. A U.S. public document for use in mainland China now needs only a U.S. apostille.

Quick facts

The old chain — notary, county, state, Department of State, then Chinese consulate — is gone. State-issued records go to the Secretary of State of the issuing state; federal records such as background checks go to the U.S. Department of State.

Fees breakdown

One caveat comes from the consulates themselves: an apostille certifies the signature and seal, and a document carrying one is not automatically accepted by the Chinese authority receiving it. Check its requirements on format, content, time limits and translation before paying for anything.

How to prepare a document for China

1. Ask the Chinese authority that will receive it what it expects, including how recent the document must be.
2. Order a certified copy from the issuing office, or have a private document notarised.
3. File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or with the U.S. Department of State for federal records.
4. Arrange a Chinese translation where the receiving office requires one.
5. Send the apostilled original, keeping copies of everything.

Required documents

• Properly executed signed original, or a sealed certified copy from the record keeper.
• Completed state authentication request and payment.
• Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
• Photo ID for in-person service.

What the consulates still do

They notarise documents executed before a consular officer by Chinese citizens, issue travel documents and certificates for their own nationals, and handle passport and visa work. They no longer authenticate U.S. public documents.

Additional notes

Chinese documents going the other way

Public documents issued in mainland China are apostilled by foreign affairs offices there, and no longer need U.S. consular legalisation.

Hong Kong and Macao

Both regions were already covered by the Convention before the mainland joined, and they continue to issue their own apostilles.

Never apostille a photocopy

The certificate attaches to an original or to a sealed certified copy from a public record keeper. A plain copy is refused.

Translations

Many Chinese offices want a Chinese translation alongside the apostilled document, and some require it to be produced locally. Confirm before commissioning one here.