Certificate of Formation Legalization for Use in Syria
For businesses expanding into Syria or engaging in cross-border transactions, legalizing a Certificate of Formation—or its certified copy—is an essential requirement. Syrian authorities must verify that U.S.-issued business documents are authentic and properly certified. Because digital signatures and electronic notarizations are not accepted, the certificate must be physically signed and notarized before moving through the U.S. legalization process. Additionally, due to the temporary closure of the Syrian Embassy in the United States, the U.S. Department of State is currently the final authority authenticating documents destined for Syria.
What Is a Certificate of Formation?
A Certificate of Formation is an official state-issued document that legally establishes a business entity, such as an LLC or corporation. It typically includes essential information such as the company name, date of formation, registered agent details, and state confirmation of its legal existence. A certified copy of this document carries the same legal weight as the original and may be required by foreign governments, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. When conducting business in Syria, an authenticated Certificate of Formation ensures recognition of the company’s legitimacy and good standing.
Legalization Process for a Certificate of Formation
The following steps outline the current U.S. authentication pathway required for Syrian use:
- Notarization: An authorized notary public must notarize the in-person signature on the document.
- State Certification: The Secretary of State in the state where the notarization occurred certifies the authenticity of the notary’s signature and authority.
- U.S. Department of State Authentication: Because the Syrian Embassy in the United States is temporarily closed, this is the final step in the process. The U.S. Department of State authenticates the state-certified document for international recognition.
Important: Currently, there is no embassy-level legalization for Syria in the U.S., so documents conclude at the U.S. Department of State authentication stage.
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
Syria enforces strict requirements for accepting foreign corporate documents. Before a Certificate of Formation can be used for licensing, commercial registration, contract approvals, or regulatory filings, it must go through formal U.S. authentication. This proves that:
The document is genuine
- The issuing authority is legally recognized.
- The notarial act is valid and accepted.
- All certifications follow the proper chain of authentication.
Since the Syrian Embassy is not currently operating in the U.S., the legalization process concludes at the federal level.
Mandatory Requirement
Before any U.S. certification steps can take place, the document must be:
- Signed in person with a wet-ink signature.
- Notarized by a traditional, in-person notary public.
- Free of electronic signatures, remote online notarization, or digital seals.
Documents that do not meet these criteria will be rejected during the state or federal authentication phases.
Why Professional Assistance Is Essential
Legalizing a Certificate of Formation involves multiple government offices, strict procedural requirements, and time-sensitive steps. Any small oversight—such as incorrect notarization, missing signatures, or improper document formatting—can lead to delays or rejection.
By working with a professional legalization service, you ensure:
- Full compliance with U.S. state and federal requirements.
- Proper notarization and document preparation.
- Fast and accurate processing at each certification stage.
- A smooth, error-free experience from start to finish.
This eliminates guesswork and helps you avoid costly delays in your business expansion or regulatory filings in Syria.
Let Us Handle Your Document Legalization with Confidence
If you need your Certificate of Formation or certified copy legalized for use in Syria, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. We manage the entire process ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.
