Legalisation of a Thai Birth Certificate (2026)
Source document: Birth certificate (Tor Ror 1 / Tor Ror 19) certified by the district registrar
Certification chain
- Obtain a certified extract from the issuing district office
- Thai–English translation with the translator's certificate of accuracy
- File for legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana
- Then legalise at the destination embassy in Thailand (or use an Apostille from 28 February 2027)
Timing and fees: 1–2 working days for translation; normal MFA legalisation takes 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express if filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp). Destination embassy queues are separate.
What it is used for
Dependent visas, foreign citizenship or passport applications for a child, foreign civil registry filings, school enrolment and inheritance matters.
What to prepare
- A freshly certified extract (many authorities accept only 3–6 month old copies)
- Passport copies of the child and both parents to lock name spellings
- A power of attorney with a THB 10 duty stamp if an agent files on your behalf
Common rejection causes
- Submitting a plain photocopy without the registrar's seal
- Name spellings in the translation that differ from the passport
- Leaving seals and the registrar's signature untranslated
Apostille timeline for this document
Until 28 February 2027 Thailand still uses the two-step chain (Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy in Thailand). Once the Hague Convention enters into force for Thailand, a single Apostille replaces the embassy step for member states; non-member destinations still require embassy legalisation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps for legalisation of a thai birth certificate?
Obtain a certified extract from the issuing district office → Thai–English translation with the translator's certificate of accuracy → File for legalisation at the Department of Consular Affairs, Chaeng Watthana → Then legalise at the destination embassy in Thailand (or use an Apostille from 28 February 2027)
Which authorities accept this document?
Dependent visas, foreign citizenship or passport applications for a child, foreign civil registry filings, school enrolment and inheritance matters.
What do I need to prepare?
A freshly certified extract (many authorities accept only 3–6 month old copies) · Passport copies of the child and both parents to lock name spellings · A power of attorney with a THB 10 duty stamp if an agent files on your behalf
Why do these documents get rejected?
Submitting a plain photocopy without the registrar's seal · Name spellings in the translation that differ from the passport · Leaving seals and the registrar's signature untranslated
How long does it take and what does it cost?
1–2 working days for translation; normal MFA legalisation takes 2–3 working days (THB 200 per stamp) or same-day express if filed before 11:30 (THB 400 per stamp). Destination embassy queues are separate.
Can I use an Apostille from Thailand yet?
Until 28 February 2027 Thailand still uses the two-step chain (Department of Consular Affairs, then the destination embassy in Thailand). Once the Hague Convention enters into force for Thailand, a single Apostille replaces the embassy step for member states; non-member destinations still require embassy legalisation.
Can an agent file the legalisation on my behalf?
Yes. The agent needs a power of attorney with a THB 10 duty stamp plus certified ID copies of both the principal and the agent. If the principal is abroad, a Thai embassy or consulate should verify the signature first.
Where is legalisation filed, and is an appointment required?
Filings are made at the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs on Chaeng Watthana Road and at its announced regional offices. Walk-in and advance appointments are both accepted; 08:00–11:30 is the busiest window. Our team files door-to-door from Phuket and nationwide.
How is certified translation different from legalisation?
A certified translation attests that the translation matches the original. Legalisation is the Department of Consular Affairs verifying the signature and seal of the issuing or certifying official so the document has effect abroad. They are separate steps and usually performed in sequence.
Legalise other document types
Information current as of August 2026. Procedures and fees follow the Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th); Apostille status follows hcch.net (in force for Thailand on 28 February 2027). Always confirm requirements with the receiving authority before filing.