US Certificate Attestation for UAE: Notary & Apostille Guide
- mofa attestation service
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you need to use US-issued documents in the UAE for employment, residence visas, family sponsorship, education, or business purposes, your documents must go through a proper legalization process. This guide explains US certificate attestation for the UAE, the role of a notary and apostille, and the correct steps to ensure acceptance by UAE authorities.
What is a US Certificate Attestation for the UAE?
US certificate attestation is the legal process that verifies the authenticity of documents issued in the United States so they can be officially used in the UAE. UAE government departments, employers, banks, and courts will not accept US documents unless they are properly attested.
Common US documents that require attestation include:
Degree and diploma certificates
Birth and marriage certificates
Police clearance certificates
Power of Attorney
Commercial and company documents
Understanding Notary and Apostille (Important)
Notary in the USA
Notarization is the first step in most US document cases. A licensed US Notary Public verifies the identity of the signer and confirms the document is signed correctly.
Notarization alone is not sufficient for UAE use.
Apostille (USA)
The Secretary of State issues an apostille for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. While the UAE recognizes apostilles for limited purposes, most UAE authorities still require embassy and MOFA attestation, especially for visas, employment, and legal matters.
Because of this, many US documents for UAE use follow the full embassy attestation route, not apostille-only.
Correct US Certificate Attestation Process for UAE
For most US documents used in the UAE, the accepted process is:
Notarization in the USA: The document is notarized by a licensed US Notary Public.
State Authentication: The notarized document is authenticated by the Secretary of State of the issuing US state.
US Department of State (Washington DC)Federal authentication confirms the state-level verification.
UAE Embassy Attestation in the USA. The UAE Embassy verifies the document for use in the UAE.
MOFA Attestation in the UAE. Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes the document legally valid inside the UAE.
Skipping any step can result in rejection.
When is an Apostille Used Instead?
An apostille may be accepted for:
Limited private or international matters
Specific non-immigration uses
However, for UAE employment visas, family visas, Emirates ID, and legal use, embassy + MOFA attestation is strongly recommended.
Professional guidance is essential to avoid using the wrong route.
Timeline for US Certificate Attestation
Standard processing: 2–4 weeks
Express options: Available depending on document type and authority response
Timelines can vary based on the issuing US state and document category.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming an apostille alone is enough for UAE use
Skipping the US Department of State authentication
Submitting uncertified copies instead of originals
Applying the MOFA attestation before the UAE Embassy stamping
These errors often lead to delays and additional costs.
How Amazon Attestation Services Can Help
Amazon Attestation Dubai offers comprehensive US-to-UAE attestation services, handling every step accurately and efficiently.
Our services include:
US notarization coordination
State and federal authentication
UAE Embassy attestation in the USA
MOFA attestation in the UAE
Secure courier handling and tracking
Amazon Attestation Quick Contacts
Mobile: +971 54 582 0984
DIP – Dubai: +971 4 330 0011
Dubai Al Barsha: +971 4 252 8846
Ajman: +971 6 740 3110
Abu Dhabi: +971 2 673 3099
Sharjah: +971 6 743 2756
Al Ain: +971 528 669 504
Email: info@mofauae.com
Working Hours (UAE)
Monday–Friday: 08:00 AM–08:00 PM
Saturday: 08:00 AM–08:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM–08:00 PM
USA Certificate Attestation for UAE
US certificate attestation for the UAE involves more than just notarization or apostille. Choosing the correct legalization route is critical to ensure your documents are accepted without delay.
With professional handling from Amazon Attestation Services, your US documents are processed correctly, legally, and on time, from the USA to final MOFA attestation in the UAE.
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