This article, compiled by Xe Tai My Dinh (My Dinh Trucking), a leading resource for trucks and related issues, provides detailed information on important consular procedures for Vietnamese citizens living, working, or studying in the United States. Think of legalizing documents like a meticulously planned transport – ensuring your legal documents arrive validly in Vietnam.
I. Legalizing Documents for Use in Vietnam
Legalization is the process of verifying the authenticity of signatures and seals on U.S. public documents so they are legally valid for use in Vietnam. The Embassy of Vietnam in the United States directly certifies and notarizes signatures or letters of authorization at its headquarters for customers who can visit in person.
If you cannot visit the Embassy in person, you can follow these steps:
- Notarization in the U.S.: Sign the document in the presence of a U.S. Notary Public.
- State Certification: Obtain certification from the State Department. You can find contact information for the State Department here.
- Legalization at the Embassy: Send the dossier by mail to the Embassy of Vietnam to complete the legalization procedure.
II. Authenticating Copies of Documents
If you need to authenticate copies of original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, driver’s licenses, or other personal documents for use in Vietnam, the Embassy provides this service.
To authenticate a copy, you can:
- Send by mail: Send the original and a photocopy of the documents to be authenticated to the Embassy.
- Submit in person: Present the original and a photocopy when submitting the application directly at the Embassy.
III. Required Documents
To carry out the legalization and authentication procedures, you need to prepare a complete dossier as follows:
- Request Form: Download and complete the Request Form for legalization and authentication of documents.
- For legalization:
- Documents notarized by a Notary Public, Registrar, or County Clerk.
- Documents certified by the State Department or the Notary Public Office of the State Department.
- For authentication of copies:
- Original and photocopy of the documents to be authenticated.
IV. Translation and Certification of Translations
The Embassy also provides translation and certification of translations of common documents such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, diplomas, marriage certificates, and other personal documents. Note that the Embassy does not accept translations of highly specialized technical documents.
V. Fees and Payment Methods
Fees for consular services are payable by Money Order or Cashier’s Check, payable to “EMBASSY OF VIETNAM”.
VI. Returning Results by Mail
If you want to receive the results by mail, include a prepaid envelope with postage and clearly indicate the recipient’s address. You can choose USPS services with tracking numbers such as Certified Mail, Express Mail, or Priority Mail to ensure safe tracking and delivery of the mail.
VII. Processing Time
- Regular service: 5-7 business days.
- Express service: 2-3 business days.
Conclusion: Performing consular procedures can sometimes be complex, but with this detailed guide from Xe Tai My Dinh, we hope you will find it easier to prepare and complete the necessary requirements. Just as a careful transport requires thorough preparation for a smooth journey, preparing a complete dossier according to the correct procedure will save you time and effort when working with the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States.
Vietnamese and US flags crossed
Document with notary public seal
Postal envelope with return address
