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

Spain and the United States are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a U.S. public document used in Spain needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state and a sworn translation into Spanish. Spanish consulates do not authenticate U.S. records.

Quick facts

One rule specific to Spain is worth planning around: consulates commonly require the apostille itself to be less than two years old, and for documents from some countries the window is shorter still. An old apostille on a valid certificate can sink a file.

Fees breakdown

Apostille the original first and translate afterwards, so the translation covers the apostille as well.

How to prepare a document for Spain

1. Ask the Spanish office receiving the document how recent it must be, before ordering anything.
2. Order a certified copy from the issuing authority rather than using a photocopy.
3. Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary’s signature.
4. File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or with the U.S. Department of State for federal records.
5. Commission the sworn translation once the apostille is attached.

Required documents

• Original certified copy, unaltered, with signature and seal.
• Completed state authentication request and payment.
• Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
• Photo ID for in-person service.

What the consulate does instead

Consulates keep the consular civil registry, issue Spanish certificates, register residents, execute notarial instruments and verify identity for the Spanish digital certificate.

Additional notes

Spanish documents going the other way

Spanish public documents are apostilled inside Spain, by the Ministry of Justice, the high courts or the notarial colleges depending on the type. No consulate abroad issues them.

Digital certificate

Consulates verify identity so that Spaniards abroad can obtain the national digital certificate, which unlocks online dealings with the Spanish administration.

Translations

Spain recognises sworn translators appointed by its foreign ministry. A translation made in the United States by an unrecognised translator is often refused.

Order two copies

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