Agency Agreement Legalization for Use in Syria
An Agency Agreement is a legally binding contract that allows one party (the agent) to represent another (the principal) in business, trade, or legal matters. It defines the scope of authority, responsibilities, and terms under which the agent operates. When this document is intended for use in Syria, it must go through a formal legalization process to ensure it is recognized by Syrian authorities.
Legalization confirms that the document has been properly executed, notarized, and authenticated by the appropriate U.S. government offices before being accepted abroad.
In-Person Notarization Requirement
Before starting the legalization process, the Agency Agreement must be signed and notarized in person before a licensed U.S. notary public. The notary verifies the identities of all parties and confirms the authenticity of the signatures.
Important: Digital signatures and electronic notarizations are not accepted for Syrian-bound documents. Only physical, in-person notarization is valid.
The Legalization Process
To make your Agency Agreement valid for use in Syria, it must follow these key steps:
- Notarization: Sign the document before a U.S. notary public in person.
- State Certification: The Secretary of State verifies the notary’s signature and seal.
- U.S. Department of State Authentication: Federal authorities authenticate the state certification.
Normally, a final step would involve Syrian Embassy legalization, but this is currently unavailable due to the embassy closure.
Notarized Company Document Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $115 | - |
| Maryland notary, court and state fees | $15 | 1 |
| U.S. Arab chamber of commerce stamp | $35 | 1 |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 | 9 |
| Total | $185 | 11 business days |
Why Legalization Is Required for Syria
Because Syria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents issued in the United States cannot be apostilled directly. Instead, they must undergo a multi-step legalization process that includes state and federal authentication.
However, the Syrian Embassy in Washington, D.C. is temporarily closed, making the final stage of legalization unavailable for direct submission. Despite this, U.S.-issued Agency Agreements can still be authenticated through the proper state and federal channels, ensuring they are ready for any additional verification once Syrian consular services resume or when coordinated through approved alternatives.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Legalizing an Agency Agreement for use in Syria can be a meticulous process. Errors such as incomplete notarization, missing seals, or incorrect document formats can lead to rejections or delays. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Incorrect notarization format: Syrian authorities require traditional notarization, not digital.
- Mismatched signatures or missing pages: Every page should be properly signed and consistent.
- Failure to include state certification: Skipping this step invalidates the authentication chain.
- Outdated embassy procedures: With the Syrian Embassy closed, applicants must rely on verified updates or professional guidance.
To avoid these issues, it is crucial to carefully follow each step and ensure all seals and signatures meet both U.S. and Syrian requirements.
Get Started Today
To legalize an Agency Agreement for Syria, you must complete the U.S. authentication process, beginning with a physical in-person notarization. While the Syrian Embassy is closed, you can proceed with notarization, state certification, and U.S. Department of State authentication to prepare your document for future legalization.
