The 101 on U.S. Notarizations in China for Expats

Home | China Law Blog | The 101 on U.S. Notarizations in China for Expats Table of Contents Toggle U.S. Notarizations in China Every so often, one of our lawyers in the United States or in China gets contacted by an expat asking about obtaining a U.S. notarization. We provide this service to our clients in the United States for free but flying all the way to the United States just for a notarization usually isn't practical (though it has happened). What's the alternative for those in China? U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China Those based in China can seek U.S. notarization services at the following locations: U.S. Embassy in Beijing U.S. Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Wuhan. The Notarization Process and Some Tips The Embassy and these consulates will provide U.S. notarization for English language documents intended for use in the United States. When you go, you should bring the following: The documents requiring notarization. Proof of your identity (preferably your passport). Fifty dollars in cash, the RMB equivalent, or a credit card. Ensure your documents are strictly in English. Expect possible delays during peak periods, such as major U.S. or Chinese holidays. If your documents require a witness for the notarization, you should bring your own. Appointments and Processing Time The U.S. Embassy and Consulates can get quite busy, and it's advisable to book an appointment in advance. Most notarizations are processed immediately, but it's always a good idea to confirm beforehand. Document Authentication If you need to authenticate Chinese documents for use in the U.S., the process is a bit different. First, get your documents authenticated by the Notarization and Authentication Division of the Consular Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can authenticate them for you. Check Out Our China Law Services Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn E-mail Comment Dan Harris Dan Harris is a founding member of Harris Sliwoski, an international law firm where he mostly represents companies doing business in emerging market countries. Most of his time is spent helping American and European companies navigate foreign countries by working with the international lawyers at his firm in setting up companies overseas (WFOEs, Subsidiaries, Rep Offices and Joint Ventures), drafting international contracts, protecting IP, and overseeing M&A transactions. In addition, Dan writes and speaks extensively on international law, with a focus on protecting foreign businesses in their overseas operations. He is also a prolific and widely-followed blogger, writing as the co-author of the award-winning China Law Blog. Harris Sliwoski Attorney Read more posts [email protected] Read More Legal News, Litigation and Arbitration Learn more about our China Litigation and Arbitration Practice Related Posts September 15, 2026 Your AI-Drafted China Contract Says It Needs a Lawyer. Listen to It. September 11, 2026 Forensic Accountants in China Business Litigation: How True Numbers Can Tell the Wrong Story September 4, 2026 China NNN Agreement or Trademark Registration? You Usually Need Both September 1, 2026 AI Didn't Replace Lawyers. It Gave Us the 48-Page Contract. August 27, 2026 Do I Need a China NNN Agreement or a China Manufacturing Agreement? Usually Both. August 26, 2026 China’s New Overseas Investment Rules: Can Your Chinese Investor Actually Get the Money Out? August 24, 2026 International IP Protection for Startups: What to Protect and Where August 19, 2026 The Documents Are the International Deal August 19, 2026 China Supplier Fraud in Yiwu: Why We Recommended the Police, Not a Lawsuit August 17, 2026 China Trademark Registration: Why U.S. Companies Need More Than a Filing Agent August 10, 2026 Buying Expensive Equipment from China: Seven Questions to Answer Before You Pay August 7, 2026 DDP Shipping Risks: What Boise Cascade’s Guilty Plea Means for U.S. Buyers August 6, 2026 Protecting Your Artwork Internationally: What Artists Need to Do Before the Work Travels August 5, 2026 Your China Employee Signed the Vacation Policy. You Can Still Lose. July 29, 2026 The RedNote Contract Lesson for Companies Doing Business in China Leave a comment Cancel reply