HOW TO LEGALIZE U.S. DOCUMENTS FOR USE IN LEBANON

Lebanon is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means U.S. documents cannot simply be apostilled for use there. Instead, they must go through a multi-step authentication and legalization process, ending with legalization at the Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to submit documents for use in Lebanon via the embassy legalization process:

🇱🇧 HOW TO LEGALIZE U.S. DOCUMENTS FOR USE IN LEBANON (NO APOSTILLE)

✅ Step 1: Notarize the Document (If Applicable)

If your document is not already certified (like a birth certificate or FBI background check), it must first be notarized by a licensed notary public.

Examples:

• Power of Attorney, Affidavits, or Letters of Authorization must be notarized.

• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) must be certified copies from the county or state.

✅ Step 2: State-Level Authentication

Next, submit your notarized or certified document to the Secretary of State in the state where it was issued or notarized.

📍 For example, use the California Secretary of State for documents issued or notarized in California.

🔗 California Secretary of State Authentication Info

✅ Step 3: U.S. Department of State Authentication

Once your document is authenticated at the state level, send it to the:

U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications

600 19th Street NW, SA-17

Washington, DC 20006

🔗 U.S. State Department Authentication Guide

Processing time: ~2–3 weeks (or use an expedited service through Orange County Apostille).

✅ Step 4: Legalization by the Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon

After federal authentication, your documents must be submitted to the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, D.C. or a Lebanese Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state.

📬 How to Submit Documents to the Embassy of Lebanon in Washington, D.C.

🏢 Embassy Address:

Embassy of Lebanon – Consular Section

2560 28th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

Phone: (202) 939-6300

🔗 https://www.lebanonembassyus.org/

📌 Required for Submission:

1. Original authenticated document

2. Copy of the document

3. Cover letter with your contact information

4. Legalization fee (varies by document—check embassy’s latest fee schedule or call)

5. Prepaid return envelope (FedEx or USPS)

6. Government-issued ID copy (e.g., passport or driver’s license)

🕐 Processing Time:

• Typically 5–7 business days, depending on the embassy or consulate.

• Expedited service may be available—call ahead to confirm.

🌍 Which Consulate Should I Use If Not in D.C.?

If you are in California, you may contact:

✉️ Consulate General of Lebanon – Los Angeles:

Consulate General of Lebanon

660 S. Figueroa St., Suite 1050

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Phone: (213) 243-0990

🔗 https://www.generalconsulateoflebanon-losangeles.org/

🛠 Services Orange County Apostille Can Provide:

• Notarization

• California Secretary of State authentication

• Submission to the U.S. Department of State

• Submission and return from the Lebanon Embassy or Consulate

• Certified translations (Arabic/French/English)

• Document bundling and tracking

✅ Summary Checklist