Legalizing Brazilian documents for use in the United States is essential for them to be accepted by public and private entities, such as the DMV, immigration services, schools, banks, and consulates. This process ensures that your documents have legal validity in American territory and comply with local requirements. In this article, we will explain the two main steps of this process: translation and apostille. We will also show how Pontal Brazil can assist you in each phase with security and experience.
Document Translation: Fundamental Step
Before anything else, every document written in Portuguese needs to be officially translated into English to be valid in the United States. This requirement applies to various situations, such as renewing a license at the DMV, immigration processes, enrollment in educational institutions, and diploma validation.The translation must be accurate and, in many cases, it also needs to be notarized (recognized by a public notary) to be accepted by American authorities. At Pontal Brazil, we offer sworn and notarized translations with speed and quality. Our team has extensive experience with different types of documents, ensuring that your translation meets legal requirements.
When Does a Document Need to Be Apostilled?
The second step, depending on the type of document and the purpose of use, is apostilling. The apostille is an international certification that validates the authenticity of Brazilian documents so that they can be legally used in the United States. This process is regulated by the Hague Convention and must be done at authorized notary offices in Brazil.Documents that typically require apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal background checks, diplomas, and powers of attorney. Apostille does not replace translation: the two processes are complementary.
The opposite is also true. If you need to present an American document in Brazil—such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, university diploma, or criminal background check—it is necessary to apostille the document here in the United States. At Pontal Brazil, we offer comprehensive support for this process in the state of New Jersey, helping you ensure that your documents are legally recognized in Brazil.
Each Case is Different – Rely on Our Experience
The legalization of documents varies according to each person's situation. Therefore, it is essential to have professional guidance to avoid mistakes and delays.At Pontal Brazil, we have been serving the Brazilian and Latin American community in Newark and the surrounding area for over 15 years, offering reliable services in translation, document preparation, apostille, consular scheduling, among others. We are recognized for our trust, quality, and commitment to our clients. Visit our store at 93 New York Ave, Newark, NJ, or contact us by phone at (973) 344-5032 or by email at contact@pontalbrazil.com. We are ready to assist you every step of the way!