Legalization Guide
Diplomatic Legalization: Three Paths
The correct legalization path depends on the country receiving the document. Use this guide to identify which process applies to your situation.
Three Paths to Legitimacy
Which Process Applies to You
Consular Authentication
For documents used in Hungary
The Honorary Consul verifies and authenticates signatures or copies under the authority of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The result is a document recognized by all Hungarian government authorities.
Cost
$36 per signature / $24 per copy page
Timeframe
Same appointment
Used For
Powers of attorney, property transactions, business documents, inheritance submissions
Steps
- 01.Prepare your document — do not sign in advance
- 02.Book a Monday appointment in Derry, NH
- 03.Sign in Sylvia's presence
- 04.Consul affixes authentication seal
- 05.Document is ready for Hungarian submission
Apostille + Authentication
For American documents going to Hungary
American-origin documents destined for Hungary generally need an apostille first (from the NH Secretary of State), then may need additional consular authentication depending on the document type.
Cost
$10 NH notary + $10 NH apostille fee
Timeframe
Days to weeks
Used For
American birth/marriage/death certificates, academic diplomas, court documents
Steps
- 01.Get the document notarized (if required)
- 02.Submit to NH Secretary of State for apostille
- 03.Return to honorary consul if additional authentication needed
Full Legalization Chain
For countries not in the Hague Convention
For documents used in countries that are not Hague Convention members (not applicable for Hungary, which is a member). Requires: notarization → state authentication → federal authentication → embassy or consulate stamp. Mention this to Sylvia if you are unsure which chain applies.
Cost
Varies — multiple fees and agency steps
Timeframe
Weeks to months
Used For
Documents for non-Hague countries — NOT typically required for Hungary
Steps
- 01.US notarization
- 02.State Secretary of State authentication
- 03.US Department of State federal authentication
- 04.Embassy or Consulate stamp
Common Questions
Legalization FAQ
What is the difference between authentication and legalization?
In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but technically: authentication is a single-step verification by a consul or government authority. Legalization is a chain of multiple authentications through different government levels. For Hungary, which is a Hague Convention member, consular authentication is usually sufficient — the full legalization chain is rarely needed.
Hungary is a Hague Convention member — do I still need an apostille?
For American documents going to Hungary, yes — an apostille is the appropriate form of international authentication under the Hague Convention. The apostille is issued by the NH Secretary of State, not by the consul. Consular authentication is used for a different purpose: authenticating signatures on documents signed by someone in Sylvia's presence.
My document was issued in Hungary. Does it need to be authenticated to use in the US?
Hungarian documents used in American proceedings (courts, employers, universities) typically need certified English translation. Authentication of the original Hungarian document is sometimes also requested — Sylvia can provide this for $36 per document.
Can Sylvia legalize or authenticate any document?
Sylvia can authenticate signatures and certify copies within the scope of the honorary consul's authority under the Vienna Convention. Passports and biometric documents require the NY Consulate General. Legal advice falls outside the consul's scope.
Not sure which path applies?
Bring your documents to a Monday appointment and Sylvia will identify exactly what is needed — and perform it in the same visit.
Honorary consuls do not work in a formal office, nor do they have fixed working hours or schedules. They do not receive compensation from Hungary for their duties and therefore cannot be held accountable for their work schedules.