Embassy of Jordan – Legalization Section

Step 1 – Make sure your document is truly “ready” for the Embassy

Before you send anything to the Embassy, confirm:

1. Document has completed the U.S. chain of authentication
   • For state-level documents (birth/marriage certificates, notarized POAs, etc.):
     • Local notarization or certified copy (if required)
     • Secretary of State certification
     • U.S. Department of State authentication (Washington, DC)
   • For federal documents (FBI, IRS, FDA, USDA, etc.):
     • Original document from the federal agency
     • U.S. Department of State authentication
2. The U.S. Department of State authentication is visible and intact
   • There should be a stapled authentication certificate or stamp from the U.S. Department of State attached to the document.

If anything is missing, fix that first. The Jordanian Embassy will not legalize documents that haven’t been authenticated by the U.S. Department of State (or the relevant Secretary of State, depending on type).

Step 2 – Prepare the package for the Jordanian Embassy (Legalization Section)

The Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC, requires a complete package. Incomplete files are usually returned without action.

Prepare:

1. Original authenticated document
   • This is your document with the U.S. Department of State authentication attached.
2. One extra copy of each document
   • The Jordanian Embassy explicitly requires a copy for their file.
3. Your ID copy
   • A clear copy of your passport (and/or ID).
   • If the person is a Jordanian citizen, a copy of the Jordanian passport is often requested, especially where reduced or specific fees apply.
4. Cover letter Include a simple one-page letter with:
   • Your full name
   • Return mailing address
   • Phone number and email
   • Number and type of documents (e.g., “1 FBI background check,” “2 birth certificates”)
   • A short line like: “Please legalize the enclosed U.S. Department of State–authenticated documents for use in Jordan.”
5. Consular fee payment
   • According to the Embassy’s fee sheet, “legal and official documents” (POAs, agreements, affidavits, certificates, etc.) are $47.25 per document as of Feb 1, 2023.
   • Payment method:
     • Money Order or Cashier’s Check only, payable to: “Embassy of Jordan”
     • Must include your name and phone number on the instrument.
   • No cash, personal checks, or card for consular fees.
   ⚠️ Fees can change. Always verify the latest fee schedule and instructions on the Embassy website before you mail anything.
6. Prepaid return envelope
   • Self-addressed, trackable envelope for return (e.g., USPS Express or UPS).
   • The Embassy’s own instructions say do not use FedEx or regular mail.

Step 3 – Address and send the documents to the Embassy

Mail or courier your package to:

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Legalization Section

3504 International Dr. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20008 

Tips:

• Use a trackable service (USPS Express, UPS, DHL if allowed).
• Put your name & phone on the outside of the envelope as well.
• If you’re using a courier service / legalization company, they may drop off and pick up in person on your behalf.

Step 4 – Embassy processing

Once received, the Embassy will:

1. Check completeness
   • Original authenticated document
   • Extra copy
   • Correct fee
   • Return envelope
   • Any other specific requirements for your document type
2. Apply the Jordanian legalization
   • A Jordanian consular stamp and signature will be added to the document or attached page, confirming the U.S. Department of State authentication.
3. Return your documents
   • The Embassy’s own guidance says processing is about 5 working days, then documents are returned via your enclosed envelope.

Step 5 – Special document types (watch-outs)

Some categories have extra wrinkles:

1. Educational documents (degrees, transcripts, diplomas)
   • Jordan often requires that these be further processed by AMIDEAST in Amman, after embassy legalization or as part of the Jordan-side workflow.
   • Always confirm with the Jordanian ministry, school, or employer what exact sequence they want (some want AMIDEAST → Jordanian MOE, etc.).
2. Health certificates
   • Must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State before they go to the Jordanian Embassy (which you’ve already done in your scenario).
3. Commercial / corporate documents
   • Some may need prior stamps from a local Arab Chamber of Commerce or the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce before/after U.S. Department of State, depending on the exact purpose.

Step 6 – Confirm acceptance in Jordan

Once you receive the legalized document back:

1. Check for:
   • Original document
   • U.S. Department of State authentication
   • Jordanian Embassy legalization stamp or certificate
2. Send or present in Jordan
   • To the court, ministry, university, employer, bank, or notary that requested it.
   • Some authorities may ask for Arabic translations prepared or certified in a particular way. If the document is in English and they need Arabic, arrange for a certified translation that meets their standards.

Quick recap checklist

From “Federal authentication is done” to “Jordan-ready”:

1. ✅ Document has U.S. Department of State authentication attached.
2. ✅ You made 1 photocopy of each authenticated document.
3. ✅ You prepared a cover letter with your contact info and document list.
4. ✅ You have a money order/cashier’s check to “Embassy of Jordan” for the correct fee, with your name & phone on it.
5. ✅ You included a prepaid, trackable return envelope (no FedEx).
6. ✅ You mailed everything to the Legalization Section, Embassy of Jordan, Washington, DC.
7. ✅ You waited roughly 5 business days after arrival for processing, then the document came back with a Jordanian consular stamp.