Apostille & Legalization for Vietnam (2026 Update)

Updated 2026-05-29 · General information, not legal advice.

A US birth certificate with a Secretary of State apostille certificate attached, next to a Vietnamese-language certified translation

When you use US-issued documents in Vietnam — birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, FBI background checks, diplomas — they must be authenticated so Vietnamese authorities will accept them. This process is changing in 2026.

Big change — September 11, 2026: Vietnam acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, effective September 11, 2026. From that date, a single apostille replaces the slower consular legalization process for documents exchanged between Vietnam and other member countries (the United States has been a member since 1981).

Before vs. After September 11, 2026

Until Sept 10, 2026	From Sept 11, 2026
Consular legalization: notarize → state/federal authentication → legalization by the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate	One apostille from the US competent authority; no Vietnamese consular step needed
Weeks to months, multiple offices, extra fees	Typically faster and cheaper — a single certificate

Which Documents Commonly Need This

US birth certificates (for marriage registration in Vietnam)
US marriage certificates and divorce decrees (proof of marital status)
FBI or state criminal background checks (work permits, long-term visas)
US university diplomas and transcripts (work permits)
Affidavit of Single Status (required before marrying in Vietnam)

How to Authenticate Before September 11, 2026 (Consular Legalization)

Notarize / certify the document if it is not already a certified government copy.
Authenticate at the issuing state's Secretary of State (state documents) or the US Department of State (federal documents such as FBI checks).
Legalize the authenticated document at the Embassy of Vietnam (Washington, DC) or a Vietnamese Consulate.

How It Works From September 11, 2026 (Apostille)

Obtain the document as a certified copy.
Request an apostille from the competent US authority — the issuing state's Secretary of State for state documents, or the US Department of State for federal documents.
That is it — no Vietnamese Embassy legalization step. The apostilled document is recognized in Vietnam.

Transition caution: During the early rollout, some local Vietnamese offices may still be unfamiliar with apostilles and could ask for the old legalization. Carry the official guidance and allow extra time. Documents legalized before the effective date remain valid.

Translation Still Required

Whether legalized or apostilled, US documents must be translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator to be used with Vietnamese authorities. The translation is usually certified/notarized in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam in the Apostille Convention now?

Vietnam acceded to the Convention, and it takes effect on September 11, 2026. Before that date, US documents for Vietnam still require consular legalization.

Where do I get a US apostille?

From the Secretary of State of the issuing state for state documents, or the US Department of State for federal documents such as FBI background checks.

Are documents I legalized before 2026 still valid?

Yes. Documents that were properly legalized before the effective date remain valid; you do not need to redo them as apostilles.