Authentic and apostilles in the United States
The apostille of Salvadoran documents is 100% free in El Salvador. Since 2022, you can process it online from the United States using the portal https://apostilla.rree.gob.sv . Here we explain step by step which documents qualify and how to avoid scams.
Authentication and apostille of documents are essential processes to ensure the validity and legality of official Salvadoran documents when used abroad. Whether for personal, business, or legal matters , understanding how these procedures work is crucial if you are about to request any of these services.
In this guide, we will explain in detail what authenticities and apostilles are , why they are important, and how to carry out these procedures in the United States.
How to determine if a document needs an Authentication or an Apostille?
To determine whether your document requires an authenticity or an apostille, you must first consider whether the country where the document will be used or where it was issued is a signatory to the Hague Convention . El Salvador, like the United States , is a member of the Hague Convention, meaning its documents can be apostilled.
However, it is important to note that the Hague Convention states that the following documents cannot be apostilled:
- Documents executed by diplomatic or consular agents.
- Administrative documents directly related to commercial or customs operations.
In summary, if your document will be used in a country that is part of the Hague Convention, you can have it apostilled if it is not on the list of exceptions mentioned above.
What is the cost associated with document authentication?
The authentication of a document costs a total of $25.00 , broken down as follows:
- Signature of Salvadoran official: $ 5.00.
- Signature of foreign official (foreign officials of diplomatic representations accredited in El Salvador): $ 20.00.
What documents are eligible to be apostilled in El Salvador?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the following documents are eligible for apostille within El Salvador:
- Notarial documents, such as testimonies of public deeds and notarial acts.
- Administrative documents (family status items, educational documents, documents issued by the PNC).
- Documents issued by a government authority or official, such as Public Ministries.
Are there any costs associated with apostille documents in El Salvador?
The apostille process in El Salvador is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , which has stated that apostille services are completely FREE . Therefore, we encourage you to avoid scams and refrain from paying for a service that is free.