Documents Already Certified by Secretary of State
If your corporate or personal documents have already been certified by the local Secretary of State, please note this represents only the initial phase of authentication required for their use in the Syrian Arab Republic. The U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (USACC) offers a professional service to complete the subsequent authentication stages, including processing through the U.S. Department of State and preparing documents for eventual legalization by the Embassy of Syria in Washington, D.C.
Despite the Embassy's temporary closure, we ensure your documentation remains compliant and ready for final validation. Our service is designed to streamline the authentication process, minimize delays, and guarantee that your documents are properly prepared for international use.
Why Additional Authentication Is Required
Having Secretary of State certification is an essential first step, but Syrian authorities require further federal and consular authentication before your documents can be recognized abroad. Since Syria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents must undergo traditional authentication rather than receiving an apostille. This means your state-certified documents must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, followed by legalization through the Embassy of Syria.
Because the Embassy of Syria in Washington, D.C. is temporarily closed, USACC continues to support applicants by managing the process within the constraints of current diplomatic availability and by keeping clients informed of alternative steps and updated requirements. This ensures your documents remain compliant with evolving regulations.
Types of Documents We Handle
USACC provides assistance with a wide range of documents that have already been certified by the Secretary of State, including but not limited to:
- Corporate documents such as Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, Board Resolutions, and Commercial Agreements
- Notarized affidavits and personal declarations
- Any U.S.-issued document requiring Syrian legalization
All documents must be properly prepared, certified at the state level, and contain original signatures and seals before USACC can proceed with the remaining steps.
Company Documents Certified by a Secretary of State Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $115 | - |
| U.S. Arab chamber of commerce stamp | $35 | 1 |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 | 9 |
| Total | $170 | 10 business days |
USACC’s Role in Completing the Authentication Process
Once your documents arrive at our office, the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce facilitates the remaining stages to ensure they are fully ready for acceptance in Syria. Our services include:
- U.S. Department of State Authentication
We submit your state-certified documents to the U.S. Department of State for federal authentication. This step verifies the authority of the state official who issued the certification.
- Embassy of Syria Legalization Support
While the Embassy of Syria in Washington, D.C. is temporarily closed, USACC continues to assist clients by preparing documents to meet consular requirements and ensuring they remain compliant for submission once embassy operations resume or alternative procedures are made available. We monitor updates closely to prevent any delays caused by procedural changes.
- Comprehensive Review and Quality Check
Every document is thoroughly reviewed for accuracy, compliance, and proper formatting before submission to government agencies. This reduces the risk of rejections and ensures a smooth authentication flow.
- Business-Friendly and Individual-Friendly Service
Whether you are a corporation managing international trade or an individual completing personal documentation, USACC offers professional support, responsive communication, and a trusted record of delivering internationally accepted paperwork.
Where to Send Your Documents
Send the complete package to:
U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce
1330 New Hampshire Ave. NW, B1
Washington, DC 20036
T: (202) 468-4200
E: info@usarab.com
Disclaimer
This website is managed by the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce to assist in document certification and legalization for use in Syria. The U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce is not affiliated with the Embassy of Syria in Washington, D.C.
