Guatemala Apostille

The Apostille is a procedure that involves adding a note to a public document, confirming the legitimacy of the signature on that document issued in a country that adheres to the Convention. This certification is necessary when these documents need to be valid in another country that is also part of the same treaty.

Here, we will guide you on the process to apostille your documents at the Guatemalan Consulate in the USA. We will provide all the information about which documents can be apostilled, the main requirements, and details about the Hague Convention.

What Documents Can Be Apostilled in Guatemala?

All public documents are eligible for apostille, including the following:

• Public documents that have been authorized in the territory of a contracting state and are to be presented in the territory of another contracting state.
• Documents issued by an authority or official linked to a jurisdiction of the state, including those from public prosecutors, secretaries, officers, or judicial agents.
• Administrative documents: These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic diplomas, university degrees, notarized powers of attorney, and other legal documents.
• Notarial documents.
• Official certifications placed on private documents, such as registration notes, confirmations of the accuracy of a date, and signature authentications.

Process of Apostille in Guatemala

The process to apostille documents at Guatemalan Consulates in the United States is straightforward. Just follow the steps outlined below:

Find the nearest Guatemalan Consulate in the United States. You can do this by clicking the button provided below:

1. Schedule a consular appointment at the nearest consulate.
2. Gather the documents you wish to apostille. Make sure to bring the original documents and, in some cases, additional copies.
3. At the Consulate, the documents will undergo an authentication process, which may include the signature and seal of a consular officer. This certifies the authenticity of the documents.
4. Pay the consular fees for the apostille service. Costs may vary depending on the type of document and the consular jurisdiction.
5. Once the documents have been apostilled, you can pick them up at the Consulate or wait for them to be sent to you.

Remember that the Apostille is a crucial process to ensure that your documents are legally recognized in other countries, so it’s essential to follow the procedures precisely.

What Are the Requirements to Apostille a Document in Guatemala?

To apostille a document in Guatemala, you generally need to meet the following requirements and follow a process guided by the consulate. Below are the most important requirements you should not overlook:

1. Eligible Documents: Ensure that the document you wish to apostille is eligible for the apostille process.
2. Original or Certified Copy: Present the original document or a certified copy. Ensure that the document is in good condition and legible.
3. Civil Registry: If the document is a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, it must be properly registered with the National Registry of Persons (RENAP) in Guatemala. If it’s not registered, you must obtain a certified copy from RENAP before proceeding with the apostille.
4. Notarial Validation: For notarial documents, such as powers of attorney, ensure they have been notarized by a Guatemalan public notary and are duly registered with the Guatemalan Bar Association.
5. Personal Identification Card (DPI): Present your valid DPI as proof of identity.
6. Application Form: In some cases, you may need to complete an application form provided by the issuing entity of the apostille. Make sure to obtain and complete the appropriate form.
7. Consular Fees: Pay the applicable consular fees for the apostille service. Costs may vary depending on the type of document and the issuing entity of the apostille.
8. Visit the Issuing Entity: Go to the entity responsible for issuing apostilles in Guatemala. This may be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or, in some cases, a Guatemalan consulate abroad.
9. Authentication Process: At the issuing entity, the documents will undergo an authentication process, involving the signature and seal of an authorized official.
10. Collect the Apostilled Documents: Once the documents are apostilled, you can collect them from the issuing entity.

Apostille Under the Hague Convention for Guatemala

The Guatemalan Apostille is valid for use in all countries that are part of the Hague Convention on Document Apostilles. This includes most European countries, many countries in the Americas, and others worldwide.

Once apostilled, the document does not require further processing at a Guatemalan Consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, a document issued in Guatemala and apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not need to be presented at the diplomatic or consular representation of the country where it will take effect.

Requirements to Apostille a Birth Certificate in Guatemala

To apostille a birth certificate in Guatemala, you must follow a process and meet certain requirements. Below are the typical requirements for apostilling a birth certificate at the Guatemalan Consulate:

1. Schedule an appointment at the nearest consulate.
2. Have the original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the National Registry of Persons (RENAP) in Guatemala. Ensure the birth certificate is duly registered with RENAP.
3. Present a copy of your personal ID card (DPI) or Guatemalan passport, as well as your original DPI for identity verification.
4. Pay the fees for the apostille service. Costs may vary depending on the type of document and the issuing entity of the apostille.
5. At the MINEX, which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the birth certificate will undergo an authentication process, including the signature and seal of an authorized official to certify its authenticity.

Apostille at Guatemalan Consulates in the United States

You can apostille your documents at the consulate closest to your location:

Other procedures available at the Guatemalan consulates in the United States

These are the other procedures that you can perform in addition to the apostille at the consulates of Guatemala in the United States