Notarization is the official process of validating certificates, documents or agreements through the assistance of a notary public. It ensures the authenticity and legality of the documents by affixing an official seal or stamp.
Obtaining notarization for your documents in China might initially appear complex, but rest assured, it’s simpler than it seems!
In this comprehensive guide on notarizing documents in China, you’ll find all the necessary information to navigate the process successfully.
Alternatively, you can save yourself the trouble and take advantage of our convenient and efficient notarization agent service.
Notary Public Office in China
In China, notarization is carried out by authorized notary offices operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China. For individuals residing outside of China, obtaining notarial certificates involves contacting the relevant Public Notary Office in the city where they previously resided.
The notary office you’re looking for is a 公证处 (gōng zhèng chù), known in English as the Public Notary Office of the People’s Republic of China.
These offices are available in major cities and rural areas throughout China. No matter which city you live in China, there is a Notary Office.
The notarial certificate issued by the Public Notary Office typically features a watermark, signature, and red stamp which is a collection of stamped and glued-together papers.
Notarized Items or Documents
The items can be notarized include but are not limited to:
- Non-criminal Record (Police Clearance Certificate)
- Letter of Authorization/Powers of Attorney (PoA)
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Contracts and Agreements
- Personal Identification Documents (Passport)
- Driver’s License
- Civil Judgement
- Record of Individual Income Tax
- Physical Examination Report
- Bank Statement / Credit Statement
- Certificate of Incorporation
How Our Notarization Service Works
Start by contacting our team and sending the documents you need notarized. We’ll let you know exactly what supporting materials are required, how long the process will take, and the total cost—no guesswork involved.
In most cases, there’s no need to submit original documents—scanned or digital copies are sufficient. Once your payment is confirmed, we’ll begin the notarization and legalization process without delay.
The standard processing time is around 5 business days, not including delivery. Expedited services are available if you’re on a tight schedule. If for any reason your case cannot be completed, we guarantee a full refund.
Authentication or Apostille
Once your notarized document is ready, further authentication may or may not be required—depending on the country where it will be used.
For use in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan, no additional authentication or apostille is required.
However, if the document will be used in a Hague Convention country—such as Spain, Italy, France, or Germany—an Apostille issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required. The standard processing time for an Apostille is around 5 business days, with expedited options available.
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, consular legalization is needed. This involves two steps: authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, followed by the relevant foreign embassy or consulate in China. The Ministry’s authentication typically takes about 5 business days, and embassy processing times vary depending on the country.
Before starting the notarization process, we strongly recommend confirming the specific authentication requirements based on your intended use and destination country.
What We Need to Know Before Starting
To ensure your notarization is accurate, compliant, and accepted in the country where it will be used, we’ll need the following information before we begin:
The document(s) you need to have notarized
Your nationality
The destination country and the purpose of use
The required language and number of copies
Whether the document needs further authentication (Apostille or consular legalization)
Having these details upfront allows us to tailor the process to your needs and avoid unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Obtaining notarization in China is a straightforward process when you understand the specific type of notarization required.
Trust True Words for your notarization needs in China, as we offer expert agent services and complete support throughout the entire process.
