Monday, September 8, 2008  
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Other Consular Services
Legalization of Documents

Done by: Legal Section

1) Documents to be legalized
See cases below
 
• Common documents
Original document:
a) first legalized by the Notary Public
b) then authenticated by the County Clerk or Secretary of State, according to the system of each state.
- The certification by the County Clerk or the Secretary of State must be annexed to the original document.
- Sending a copy of the Notary Public's licence is not required.
 
• Official documents, such as
a) those issued by the county offices
b) issued by the state (Secretary of State, Judge of the Superior Court, City Hall, etc.).
c) certificates of birth, marriage and death, and divorce sentence.
 
Certified copies are accepted, provided that they are signed and bear an official rubber stamp or haut-relief stamp.
 
• Non-criminal Record
a) no more than 90 days old.
b) must be issued by the police department on the person's place of residence, printed on letterhead paper, signed by the concerned authority, present the signing authority's name and rank and/or official haut-relief stamp.
 
•International Health Certificate for Pets
a) Issued by a local veterinarian;
b) Certified by the USDA - US Department of Agriculture;
- International Health Certificate for Pets must be legalized by the Consulate General within seven days after its issuance.
 
2) Consular Fees
US$20.00 per document.

Method of payment
The Consulate General in Chicago ONLY accepts payments with Money Order issued by the U.S. Postal Service payable to “Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago”. 

 

LEGALIZATION BY MAIL
 
1) Sending the documents
- The Consulate General in Chicago ONLY accepts mail from the U.S. Postal Service.
- We recomend: U.S. Postal Service Express Mail for being faster and safer.
 
 2) Send
a) Complete documentation;
b) USPS Money Order;
c) Pre-stamped, self-addressed return envelope (we recomend  Express Mail);
 
 3) Processing time (for legalization sent by mail)
- Two (2) working days after receiving the complete documentation.  This period does not include the time in the mail.
- During high season longer processing time may apply.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents will be sent back in the return envelope provided without being legalized.


sample of return envelope

 
IMPORTANT
 
In case of document loss
• The Consulate General is not responsible for delays or losses of documents and money orders by the U.S. Postal Service.
• The documents' owner is responsible for taking note of the sending and returning envelopes' tracking numbers for control.
• In case the Postal Service misses a document the owner should contact the nearest Post Office for assistance. 
 
For more information
Send email to: legal@brazilconsulatechicago.org
 
©2008 Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago