Legalization of Documents
- Why do I need to have documents legalized?
- Which documents can be legalized at the Consulate General?
- How should I proceed to have documents legalized at the Consulate General?
- Does the Consulate General accept documents by mail?
Special cases:
- school documents
- other cases
Why do I need to have documents legalized?
In order for a foreign document to be valid in Brazil, it is necessary to have its original legalized by the Brazilian Consular Authority, by means of verification of its signature. The legalization of the signature does not imply acceptance or approval of the document.
Documents which are to be filed with a Court in Brazil must be legalized by the Brazilian Consular Authority, or they will not be valid.
The translation of a legalized document, whenever necessary, must be done in Brazil by a sworn translator.
Which documents can be legalized at the Consulate General?
The Consulate General in New York does not legalize translations.
The Consulate General can legalize documents which have been issued within its jurisdiction only and which are in the Portuguese or English languages. The Consulate General does not legalize documents which are written in a different language nor does it legalize documents which have been notarized outside its jurisdiction.
How should I proceed to have documents legalized at the Consulate General?
In principle, the signature on the document must first be notarized by a public notary. The notary's signature must then be verified by the County clerk. Only after these two steps should you bring the document to the Consulate General for legalization (the Consulate General, in fact, verifies the County clerk's signature). The fee is US$ 20.00 per County clerk signature, payable by postal money order only, to the Consulate General of Brazil in New York.
There is no need to notarize official documents, such as birth and marriage certificates or certificates issued by the secretary of state, court or police documents as long as the original is presented.
Brazilian nationals who would like to legalize his or her own signature, must come in person with a Brazilian ID (Valid passport or RG). The fee is also US$20.00 per signature.
Does the Consulate General accept documents by mail?
Yes, if you are not in NYC. In case you are sending documents by mail, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with appropriate postage for return of documents via US POSTAL SERVICE First Class, Certified or Express Mail ONLY. Documents will neither be received nor returned via other carriers. Do not send cash by mail. The Consulate General is not liable for loss, theft or delay of mailed documents.
Legalization of school documents
The transcripts and diplomas to be legalized must be the original issued by the institution. If it is not possible for the school to issue an original document, a copy of it will be accepted, as long as a letter, in the school's letterhead, signed by the Principal, Registrar or guidance officer is provided, in order to guarantee the authenticity of the documents. A consular fee of US$ 5.00 is charged by document, payable by postal money order only to the Consulate General of Brazil in New York. Please note the requirements for legalization of documents sent by mail.
Other special cases
Please check with the Legalization Service the cases of invoices for services rendered, pro forma invoices and donation of goods to Brazilian scientific, educational and social assistance entities.
ATTENTION TO THE INFORMATION BELOW:
- Before you come to the Consulate, check the hours of operation.
- Have to call us? see the hours we have reserved to answer your questions.
- No cash, personal or company checks are accepted, only US POSTAL SERVICE MONEY ORDER, made out to the Consulate General of Brazil..
