List of Countries and the Process for Legalizing Documents for Use in Mexico
Canada
Steps:
1) A notarial copy of the document.
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2) Send a notarial copy of the document to DFAIT (the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade) to be authenticated. You can call them at (613) 995-0119 if you have questions.
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Include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope inside a larger envelope addressed to:
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DFAIT, Authentication and Service of Documents Section,
125 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
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3) Send the authenticated document to the Embassy or Consulate of Mexico, nearest to where the document originates, to be legalized. You can find a consulate here. Call them beforehand to confirm the fee. Submit the fee via money order in Canadian funds, and include a self-addressed envelope.
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4) Translate the documents into Spanish by a certified translator. Ask the Mexican embassy or consulate for the “Lista de Peritos” and when you’ll need to submit the document for use in Mexico. That will determine how and where you can get it translated.
India
Steps:
1) A notarial copy of the document.
2) Visit the Ministry of External Affairs website maintained by the Government of India to find the nearest Regional Authentication Centre (RAC) to where the document was issued.
3) Visit or submit the original documents / true copies for authentication to the applicable RAC.
Note: Read the website instructions, as some RACs do not accept documents delivered in person. You may also need to submit a photocopy of the document and a photocopy of your passport.
4) Submit the authenticated document to the Embassy of Mexico in India for further legalization. Phone the embassy at+91 (11) 2411-7180 to ask for the procedure and cost of this part of the process.
South Africa
Steps:
See the South African Government website for more information. You can call the Legalisation Section at: 012 351 1726 or e-mail them at: legalisation@dirco.gov.za
USA
Steps:
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See the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website for more information on the process.
Note: There is a different process for federally-issued documents and state-issued documents.
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