Criminal Record Legalization for Use in Syria

A criminal record serves as an official document verifying an individual’s background, legal history, and suitability for purposes such as employment, residency, immigration, licensing, and international travel. When this document is intended for use in Syria, it must undergo a formal authentication and legalization process to be recognized by Syrian authorities and institutions. 

The U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (USACC) provides a structured, professional pathway for legalizing criminal records for international use, helping applicants, employers, and government agencies meet compliance requirements efficiently and securely. Although the Syrian Embassy in the United States is temporarily closed, USACC continues to support the proper authentication of criminal records through established U.S. federal channels to ensure the document is valid for overseas submission.

Authentication Workflow

USACC provides a comprehensive and professionally managed workflow to ensure criminal record documents are authenticated accurately and efficiently. Every step is handled with strict adherence to government requirements, ensuring the document is fully compliant for international use.

Authentication Process Steps

  • Maryland State Court Authentication: The document is submitted to the Maryland State Court for initial verification when required.
  • U.S. Department of State Authentication: The criminal record is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State to validate its federal origin and official status.
  • Chamber of Commerce Finalization: USACC completes the process by applying the official Chamber of Commerce stamp to certify the document for international use.

Federal Documents 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

Understanding Criminal Record Documents

Criminal record documents can include federal background checks, state criminal history reports, police clearances, and other forms of background verification issued by law enforcement or governmental agencies. These documents are commonly required by overseas employers, immigration authorities, licensing councils, or educational institutions to confirm the applicant’s legal standing and character. For Syria, these records must be authenticated by U.S. authorities to ensure their credibility and international legitimacy.

Why Legalization Is Required for Syria

Legalization ensures that a U.S.-issued criminal record is formally validated before being presented to any Syrian authority or institution. This step confirms that the signature, seal, and origin of the document are authentic and that the document has been issued according to U.S. legal and procedural standards.

Because the Syrian Embassy in Washington, D.C. is temporarily closed, traditional consular legalization is not available. Nevertheless, U.S. Department of State authentication remains a necessary step to confirm the document’s federal validity. 

For many organizations outside the United States, this authentication serves as proof of legitimacy until Syrian consular services resume. USACC bridges this gap by managing the entire process through the proper U.S. government channels and affixing the official Chamber of Commerce stamp, completing the final stage of validation.

Choose USACC for Reliable Criminal Record Legalization

Legalizing criminal records for use abroad requires precision, compliance, and familiarity with governmental procedures. USACC delivers a dependable, streamlined service that ensures your document is authenticated efficiently and professionally—even in the absence of active Syrian consular services in the United States. Whether you are preparing for immigration, employment, or personal documentation requirements, USACC is equipped to support your needs with accuracy and expertise.