Company Bylaws Legalization for Use in Syria
A Company Bylaws is a foundational corporate document outlining the internal rules that govern the management, structure, and operations of a business entity. It typically details responsibilities of officers, shareholder rights, board procedures, and organizational policies. When this document is intended for presentation to authorities, financial institutions, or business partners in Syria, it must undergo a specific U.S. authentication process to verify its legitimacy.
Because Syria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents cannot receive an apostille. Instead, they must be authenticated through U.S. governmental channels for international recognition.
In-Person Notarization
Before beginning the authentication process, the Company Bylaws must be signed and notarized in person. Notaries in the United States must witness the signer physically, confirming identity and certifying that the copy is accurate and valid.
Important: Digital signatures and electronic notarizations are not accepted for Syrian use.
This requirement ensures the document complies with traditional standards recognized by U.S. authorities.
The Authentication Process
Your Company Bylaws must complete the following steps:
- Notarization: In-person notarization by a licensed U.S. notary public.
- State Certification: Authentication by the Secretary of State verifying the notary’s commission.
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State: Federal validation of the state-issued certification.
Since there is no Syrian Embassy operating in the United States, this final federal authentication is the highest level accessible at this time.
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 Authentication Is Necessary for Syria
Although corporate documents are widely accepted internationally, Syria requires an additional layer of verification to ensure authenticity. These checks confirm the validity of the notary seal and the legitimacy of the signer's identity.
However, with the Syrian Embassy in the United States temporarily closed, the final consular legalization step is currently unavailable. As a result, documents intended for Syria will be authenticated only through the U.S. Department of State, which is the highest available authentication authority for this jurisdiction.
Completing the U.S. authentication stages prepares your document for future submission when Syrian consular services resume or when alternative governmental instructions are provided.
Common Issues to Avoid
Improperly prepared documents often face delays. Common errors include:
- Submitting electronically notarized or digitally signed documents.
- Using uncertified copies instead of properly notarized ones.
- Missing state-level certification prior to U.S. Department of State submission.
- Not following updated procedures resulting from the Syrian Embassy’s closure.
Ensuring compliance at each step is essential for smooth processing and future acceptance.
Preparing for Future Use in Syria
Even though the Syrian Embassy is currently unavailable, completing the notarization, state certification, and federal authentication steps ensures your document is fully prepared and validated. When Syrian consular operations resume, your Bylaws will already be compliant up to the highest possible U.S. authentication level.
Whether the document —or its certified copy—is required for corporate registration, banking, investment, or legal matters in Syria, having it authenticated early eliminates future delays and ensures readiness for any submission requirements.
Start Your Company Bylaws Authentication Today
Handling document authentication can be time-consuming and complex. Our team specializes in preparing and processing business documents for international use — including Syria — ensuring accuracy at every stage.
Let us manage the entire process for you, from notarization guidance to state and federal authentication. Our experts ensure your Company Bylaws is properly authenticated and ready when you need it.
