Lesotho handles both authentications and apostilles, and its ministry states exactly who can issue them: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lesotho embassies, high commissions, consulates general and consulates. It also states who cannot — and that exception is the useful part.
Quick facts
Honorary consuls cannot issue authentications. That matters because honorary consulates are often the nearest Lesotho presence to someone outside Washington, and turning up at one with a document to certify means a wasted trip. Career missions only.
The routes
| Step | Who does it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. document | Secretary of State of the issuing state | $3–$25 per document |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | U.S. Department of State | $20 per document |
| Authentication by Lesotho | Ministry, embassy or consulate | Not honorary consuls |
| Notarisation | U.S. notary public | For private documents first |
| Translation | Not applicable | English is official in both |
Between the apostille route and English being official in both countries, a Lesotho file is among the simpler ones in this directory.
How to prepare a document
- Ask the receiving institution whether it wants an apostille or a Lesotho authentication.
- Order a certified copy, or have the private document notarised.
- Obtain the apostille from the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Where authentication is wanted, use a career mission, not an honorary consul.
- Confirm the fee and the accepted payment method.
- Send tracked and keep copies.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Copy of your identification.
- Completed request and payment.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It issues passports with the form completed by a consular officer, issues authentications, handles visitor visa matters and assists Basotho citizens in the United States.
Additional notes
Not honorary consuls
The single most useful line on Lesotho’s own consular page, and the one most likely to save you a journey.
Ask which route
Apostille and authentication are different things. The receiving office decides which it needs.
Order two copies
Cheap here, and postage to Maseru is not.
Never certify a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.