Updated:09 /14 /2004 

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates authenticate documents which are executed in the United States and will be used in China. Type of documents include: birth/death certificates, power of attorney, marriage certificates, diplomas, adoption application papers, business license, etc.

How to apply/Document must  be:

1.        Signed before a notary public.

2.        Certified by the clerk of Court of the County in which the document is commissioned if applicable. It may be omitted if the authority in item 3 will certify directly to the notary.

3.        Certified  by the Secretary of the State in which the document is executed.

4.        Certified by the relevant Consulate - General. You must apply to the correct Consulate - General which holds consular jurisdiction over your area of residence. 

For applicants who live in the consular jurisdiction of Chinese Consulate in Chicago, documents after being certified by the authority in item 3 shall be certified by the Secretary of State of each relevant State, and then by Chinese Consulate in Chicago.

l        You may come to the relevant Embassy or Consulate -Generals for application, or entrust a representative (no power of attorney is needed) to apply for you. No appointment is required.

l        Mailed applications are also acceptable. Make sure you read the Mail Application Instructions.

Documents to be included with applications:

1.        One Authentication Application Form (G1).

2.        The documents to be authenticated, and a photocopy of the paper where the notary public and certification officer signs and Stamps.

Fees and processing time

Category	Fee
Civil documents, e.g. Adoption, marriage, birth/death certificate kinship, etc.	$20.00
Property or Commercial documents, e.g. Business license, labor agreement, inheritance, property transfer, etc.	$40.00
Survival certificate	$5.00

      For mail service, an additional 5 dollars PER PACKAGE for handling will be charged. Make sure you read the Mail Application Instructions.

      The regular processing time is 5 working days. For express service, additional fees of $30 for 1 working day (applications presented before 11:30am may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day) processing, or $20 for 2-3 working days processing will be charged.

       Please pay by Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable. Please make the check or money order payable to Chinese Consulate in Chicago .