Notary Documents for Mexico

Notary Documents for MexicoA Notary

Alone Is Not Enough — You Also Need an Apostille

If you are planning to use your U.S. documents in Mexico, it is important to understand that having them notarized is not enough. Mexico requires an Apostille in addition to notarization. This Apostille confirms that your document was signed and notarized by an authorized U.S. official, making it legally valid in Mexico.

Many people assume that a simple notarization is sufficient. However, for Mexico, you need both steps:

1. The document must be notarized (if applicable).

2. The notarized document must then be apostilled by the Secretary of State.

Only after both steps are completed will your U.S. document be accepted in Mexico.

Understanding Why a Notary Alone Is Not Enough

A Notary Public verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses the signature to confirm that the document was signed willingly. However, a Notary’s seal alone is valid only in the United States.

Mexico requires an Apostille to recognize the notarization. The Apostille certifies that the Notary was officially authorized to perform the notarization.

In short:

• The Notary certifies the signature.

• The Apostille certifies the Notary’s authority.

• Both are required for your document to be legally recognized in Mexico.

Which Documents Need Only an Apostille

Certain official documents issued directly by U.S. state or county offices do not require notarization before receiving an Apostille. These include:

• Birth certificates

• Death certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Court documents

These records must be certified copies from the issuing authority and then sent to the Secretary of State for an Apostille. A Notary cannot notarize these records because they are government-issued documents. However, many Notaries offer Apostille services and can handle the process on your behalf, making it easier and faster to obtain the Apostille for these documents.

Which Documents Must Be Notarized First, Then Apostilled

Documents that are privately prepared or signed by individuals must first be notarized before they can be apostilled. Examples include:

• Power of Attorney (POA) for use in Mexico

• Affidavits and declarations

• Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, or IDs

• Authorization letters

• Business contracts or agreements

• Personal statements or consent forms

• School diplomas and transcripts (whether from public or private institutions)

After these documents are notarized, many Notaries can immediately submit them for an Apostille on your behalf, making the process faster and more convenient.

The Simplest Way: Online Notarization and Apostille for Mexico

The easiest way to prepare U.S. notary documents for Mexico is through an Online Notary. With remote notarization, you can sign and notarize your documents online from anywhere in the U.S.

Most Online Notaries also handle the Apostille process for Mexico, saving you the need to send your documents to the state office yourself. Many providers even offer a fast-track option, where your notarized document with Apostille is fully ready within 48 hours.

This method is fast, secure, and ensures your documents are legally valid for use in Mexico.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Identify your document type.

   • If it is an official record (like a birth certificate), it goes directly for an Apostille.

   • If it is a private document (like a POA or diploma), it must be notarized first.

2. Complete online notarization (for documents requiring a Notary).

3. Request the Apostille, often directly through the same online notary service.

4. Choose express service if you need your notarized and apostilled document within 48 hours.

5. Use your Apostilled document in Mexico.

Final Thoughts

For U.S. documents to be valid in Mexico, notarization alone is not enough. An Apostille is also required to confirm the authenticity of your Notary’s signature and authority.

Documents such as Power of Attorney, diplomas, affidavits, and business agreements must first be notarized, while official records like birth or marriage certificates can go directly for an Apostille.

Using an Online Notary allows you to complete the entire process — notarization plus Apostille — quickly and conveniently. With express services, your documents can be fully legalized and ready for use in Mexico within 48 hours.