How to Authenticate Documents for Use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Step-by-Step Guide

If you need to authenticate documents for use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it’s essential to follow a specific process to ensure your documents are legally recognized. Whether you’re dealing with business contracts, personal documents, or other legal paperwork, this guide will walk you through each step, from notarization to final authentication at the UAE Embassy.

‍

Step 1: Notarization of Documents

The first step in authenticating your documents for the UAE is notarization. This involves having the document certified by a notary public. If your document is in Arabic, it must be translated into English before proceeding to the next steps. The notarization process ensures that the signatures on the document are valid and that the document is legally binding in the United States.

• What to do: Visit a notary public to have your document notarized. Make sure to check the notary stamp to identify where the notary is commissioned (e.g., Secretary of State or Secretary of the Commonwealth).

‍

Step 2: Authentication at the Secretary of State (or Secretary of the Commonwealth)

Once your document is notarized, the next step is to have it authenticated by the Secretary of State (or Secretary of the Commonwealth) where the notary was commissioned. This step confirms that the notary’s signature is genuine and that the notary was acting in an official capacity when the document was notarized.

• How to proceed: Check the notary stamp to determine where the notary is commissioned and submit your notarized document to the appropriate state office for authentication. This typically involves submitting a form and paying a fee.

‍

Step 3: Authentication at the U.S. Department of State

After state-level authentication, your document must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State. This is often the longest step in the process, taking about 5-8 weeks as of August 2024.

• What to do: Submit your document, along with the required form and fee, to the U.S. Department of State for authentication. The State Department will verify the authenticity of the state-level authentication, making your document valid for international use.

‍

Step 4: Final Authentication at the UAE Embassy

The final step in the process is to have your document authenticated at the UAE Embassy. This step ensures that your document is recognized and accepted in the United Arab Emirates.

• How to proceed: Mail your authenticated documents to the UAE Embassy at the following address:
• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
  3522 International Court, NW
  Suite 100
  Washington, DC 20008
• What to include: Along with your documents, include a money order or cashier’s check for $544.59 per document for commercial documents and $40.84 for personal documents, payable to The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. Alternatively, you can pay online through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website and include your payment confirmation receipt. Also, include a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope for the return of your documents.

‍

Important Notes:

• Do not combine multiple documents under one U.S. State Department seal. For example, a resolution and a distribution agreement must be treated as separate documents.
• For those needing a Certificate of Good Conduct who have resided in the UAE, you must first apply for a clear criminal record certificate through the UAE Ministry of Interior website. Then, contact the UAE Embassy or nearest consulate to obtain an attested original certificate. Include a money order or cashier’s check for $40.84, or pay online, along with a prepaid return envelope.

‍

Processing Time and Contact Information

The UAE Embassy requires a minimum of 3 business days to process any document. For any questions or further assistance, you can contact the UAE Embassy's Consular Section at (202) 243-2416 or (202) 243-2460.

‍

Conclusion

Authenticating documents for use in the UAE involves several steps, from notarization to final authentication at the UAE Embassy. While the process may seem complex, following these steps carefully will ensure your documents are legally recognized in the UAE. For professional and efficient notary services to get you started on this process, contact DC Mobile Notary at 202-247-0837 or email support@dcmobilenotary.com. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

‍

References:

1. U.S. Department of State - Document Authentication
2. UAE Embassy - Document Legalizations & Authentication
3. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Document Attestation
4. UAE Ministry of Interior - Clear Criminal Record Certificate
5. U.S. Department of State - Office of Authentications

‍