Legalising Thai Documents for United States (2026)
Apostille Convention status of United States: party. The Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027.
Certification chain (before 28 February 2027)
- Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD)
- Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy
- File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- Attest the legalised document at the US Embassy in Bangkok only when the receiving body asks for it
Timeline and fees: Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Destination-specific requirements
USCIS generally accepts a translator's certificate under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) without legalisation, while state courts, county recorders and some banks do ask for an MFA-legalised original. Confirm with the receiving body first.
What these documents are used for
I-130, CR-1 and K-1 petitions, green cards, legitimation, US property transactions and IRS filings
Common reasons for rejection
- Leaving stamps or signatures untranslated
- Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified extract
- Name spellings that do not match the passport and the petition
When the Apostille Convention applies to Thailand
Once the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, Thai public documents used in this country will need a single Apostille from the Department of Consular Affairs instead of embassy attestation, subject to any extra requirements the receiving body sets on translation format or document age.
FAQ — documents for United States
What are the steps to legalise a Thai document for use in United States?
Obtain a certified extract from the issuing authority (district office, school, court or DBD) → Translate into the language the destination requires, with the translator named and signing a statement of accuracy → File for legalisation of the translation and/or the official signature at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs → Attest the legalised document at the US Embassy in Bangkok only when the receiving body asks for it
Is United States a party to the Apostille Convention?
Yes. United States is a party to the HCCH 1961 Apostille Convention, but Thailand is not yet bound until 28 February 2027, so Thai documents still need MFA legalisation plus attestation at the United States mission in Thailand.
What changes once the Convention applies to Thailand?
Once the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027, Thai public documents used in this country will need a single Apostille from the Department of Consular Affairs instead of embassy attestation, subject to any extra requirements the receiving body sets on translation format or document age.
Any specific requirements from the destination authority?
USCIS generally accepts a translator's certificate under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) without legalisation, while state courts, county recorders and some banks do ask for an MFA-legalised original. Confirm with the receiving body first.
What can these documents be used for?
I-130, CR-1 and K-1 petitions, green cards, legitimation, US property transactions and IRS filings
Why are documents commonly rejected?
Leaving stamps or signatures untranslated · Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified extract · Name spellings that do not match the passport and the petition
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Certified translation 1–2 working days; MFA legalisation 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express when filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp); the destination embassy queue is separate and typically 3–10 working days.
Should the document be translated before or after legalisation?
The Legalization Division's practice is to start from a fresh certified extract issued by the source authority, translate that, and then file the translation with the original. Translating an old photocopy is the most common cause of rework.
Can your team file on my behalf?
Yes. We work from a power of attorney bearing a THB 10 duty stamp together with certified copies of the grantor's and agent's ID. If you are outside Thailand, a Thai embassy or consulate must witness your signature first.
Other destination countries
Sources: consular.mfa.go.th · uscis.gov · th.usembassy.gov · hcch.net — information current as of August 2026. Thai legalisation steps and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs; Apostille Convention status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm current requirements with the embassy and the receiving authority before filing.