Maryland apostille for China
Need a Maryland document accepted in China? China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so one apostille from the Maryland Secretary of State is all it needs. No embassy visit, no consular legalization.
What China requires
China joined the convention recently, on November 7, 2023. Before that, US documents for China had to be authenticated and then legalized at its embassy. Now the apostille alone is accepted, which is faster and cheaper. Some local offices may still be adjusting, so if anyone asks for embassy legalization, point them to the apostille rules or ask us for help.
The official language of China is Chinese. If your document is in English, the office that receives it may ask for a certified translation. Translations are usually done after the apostille is attached, and some offices want the apostille translated too. Ask the receiving office what it requires.
The apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It does not change what the document says, and the office in China decides whether the document itself meets its rules, for example how recently it was issued.
How we get your apostille for China
Order online
Fill in the order form. We confirm the price and send mailing instructions.
Send the original
Mail or drop off your certified copy or notarized document.
Court and state filing
Notarized documents go to the Circuit Court clerk first, then the Secretary of State issues the apostille.
Shipped back to you
Your apostilled document is shipped with tracking, anywhere in the world.
Documents we apostille for China
Price for China
| Document type | Per document |
|---|---|
| Maryland certified copy (vital, court, SDAT) | $50 |
| Notarized in Maryland | $50 + court fee |
| Federal document (FBI, FDA) | $57 |
China apostille questions
Does China accept apostilles from Maryland?
Yes. China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille issued by the Maryland Secretary of State is recognized there.
Do I need to take my documents to the China embassy?
No. The apostille replaces embassy or consular legalization for China.
Do I need a translation for China?
Often, yes, if the document is not in Chinese. Translations are usually done after the apostille. Check with the office in China that will receive the document.
How much does a Maryland apostille for China cost?
$50 per document, including the $5 Maryland state fee, plus return shipping. Notarized documents also need a Circuit Court certification, billed at cost.