If a Mexican authority asked for an apostille or a certified translation, this guide explains what each means and the order to do them in. We confirm scope, price, and timeline before any work begins. For document verification, see our OSINT document checks. For immigration routing, see Immigration route & checklist.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature/seal on a public document so it can be accepted in another country that is party to the Apostille Convention. It does not validate the content itself—it confirms that the official who signed the document is legitimate.
Typical flow (foreign document → Mexico)
- Get the original document (long-form if vital records).
- Apostille it in the issuing country.
- Translate the document and the apostille page into Spanish by a certified translator in Mexico (perito traductor).
What an apostille is not
- It is not a notarization (though some documents must be notarized before apostille).
- It is not a translation.
- It does not replace Mexican legalization steps if a document comes from a non-Convention country.
Do you need an apostille or only a translation?
Many Mexican authorities require both steps: apostille first (in the country of origin), then a certified translation in Mexico. Some private entities accept a simple translation, but government procedures (immigration, marriage, court filings, notarial acts) typically require the apostille as well.
Usually requires both
- Birth, marriage, divorce, death certificates.
- Police/background certificates.
- Academic degrees/transcripts used for official purposes.
May require notarization first
- Affidavits, consent letters, power of attorney.
- Copies of passports/IDs (often notarized true copies before apostille).
Check the requester
Always confirm with the authority asking for the document. Requirements vary by state and agency in Mexico.
Where to get an apostille
You obtain the apostille from the issuing country’s competent authority—often a state/provincial office or the national foreign affairs department. For example, U.S. vital records are usually apostilled by the state that issued the certificate; other documents may go through a notary first.
Tip: order a fresh, long-form certificate if available; some offices will not apostille older or short-form versions.
Certified translation in Mexico (perito traductor)
A perito traductor is a court-certified expert translator recognized by Mexican authorities. Their stamped and signed translation is typically required for official procedures. Acceptance can be state-specific; we match you with the right translator for the authority handling your case.
What they translate
- The original document and the apostille page.
- Any seals/stamps, marginal notes, and attachments.
Deliverables
- Stamped/signed Spanish translation with perito credentials.
- Printed set and/or PDF, depending on the authority’s rules.
Common documents that come up
- Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates.
- Police/background checks.
- Diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses.
- Affidavits, consent letters, powers of attorney.
Authority examples (Mexico)
- Immigration (INM) filings and consular processes.
- Civil registry actions (marriage, birth registration).
- Court filings and notarial acts.
How to prepare your file
- Confirm requirements with the requesting office (apostille, translation, originals/copies, notarization).
- Order fresh originals where possible (long-form vital records).
- Apostille first in the issuing country; include every page that carries signatures/seals.
- Translate in Mexico via a perito traductor—include the apostille page.
- Assemble a single, clean packet labeled with your name and purpose.
Need a quick check before you submit? Start an OSINT document check or ask for a short lawyer letter to request records from an institution.
Timelines & costs (what to expect)
Apostille
Varies by country/state and workload. Expect anything from a couple of days to a few weeks. Rush services may exist in some jurisdictions.
Certified translation
Often 1–5 business days depending on length, legibility, seals, and perito availability.
Cost drivers
- Number of pages and seals.
- Urgency and location.
- Courier/return shipping if needed.
FAQs — Apostille & translation for Mexico
Should I apostille before translating?
Yes. The translator needs to translate the apostille page as well, so obtain it first.
Will a foreign “certified translator” be accepted in Mexico?
Mexican authorities often require a local court-certified translator (perito traductor). Acceptance of foreign certifications varies—confirm with the requesting office.
Do I need originals or copies?
Procedures differ. Many offices want to see originals and keep certified copies. Ask the specific authority and plan for extra certified copies if needed.
Related services & cities
Start an OSINT document check or get an Immigration route & checklist. Prefer local? See Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.
Need help getting documents accepted the first time?
We confirm exactly what your office needs, line up the right perito translator, and package your file cleanly.