NARA Records · China
NARA Records Apostille for China
Route, timeline, translation and price for using a NARA Records in China — based on the official Hague Convention status table.
Quick answer
China accepts a U.S. apostille. Your NARA Records needs one apostille from the U.S. Department of State — 10–12 business days with us. Certified Chinese translation required.
Key takeaways
- Issued by National Archives and Records Administration; authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
- China is a Hague Convention country — the apostille is accepted with no embassy step.
- Through us: $299 all-in (including the $20 government fee and U.S. return shipping), 10–12 business days.
- Do it yourself: Form DS-4194 and a $20 fee per document — processed within 5 weeks by mail, or 7 business days if you drop it off in Washington, D.C.
- Route
- Apostille — one step
- Hague member since
- 7 November 2023
- Issuing authority
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Translation
- Certified Chinese translation required.
Is China a Hague Convention country?
Yes. The Apostille Convention has been in force for China since 7 November 2023, and for the United States since 15 October 1981 — so a U.S. apostille is accepted in China with no embassy step.
That date matters. Before 7 November 2023, U.S. documents for China had to go through embassy legalization, and instructions written before then — including some older guides and consulate pages — are now out of date.
The route to China
A NARA Records is issued by National Archives and Records Administration, a federal authority, so it is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — never by a state office. For China, that apostille is the finish line.
People most often send documents to China for work permits, business registration, residence permits. Receiving offices set their own requirements, so confirm what yours asks for — we’ll help you read it.
About the NARA Records
How to apostille National Archives (NARA) records for citizenship by descent, genealogy and historical proof of status.
We don’t retrieve records. If you don’t have your NARA Records yet, request it from the issuing agency first — once you have it, we handle everything through to delivery in China.
Timeline and price
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days | Hand-delivered in Washington, D.C. |
| Certified translation | Alongside | Ordered with the authentication so nothing waits in sequence |
| Return shipping | 1–3 days in the U.S. | Tracked courier; worldwide delivery available |
Price: $299 per document, government fees and U.S. shipping included.
Translation for China
Certified Chinese translation required. We coordinate certified translation alongside the authentication so the document arrives ready to file.
How it works
Confirm the route
Tell us you’re sending a NARA Records to China. We confirm route, price and timing before any payment.
Get the document to us
Ship it to us with tracking (we send the address when we confirm your order), or drop it off by appointment at our West Palm Beach or Miami office.
Pre-submission review
We check it against authentication requirements to catch the problems that cause rejections.
Department of State
Hand-delivered to the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Certified translation
Arranged alongside so it arrives ready to file in China.
Delivery
Returned to you by tracked courier, or sent directly to your recipient in China.
Sources: HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (checked October 2026) · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document.
How long does the NARA Records apostille take for China?
The U.S. Department of State is the only office that issues a federal apostille. Mailed in yourself, it is processed within 5 weeks of receipt; dropped off in person in Washington, D.C., within 7 business days. Through us it takes 10–12 business days.
| Route | How | Processing time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail it yourself | Form DS-4194 + check to the Office of Authentications, Sterling, VA | Within 5 weeks of receipt | $20 per document + shipping |
| Drop it off yourself | 600 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. — Mon–Thu, 7:30–9:00 AM, no appointment | Within 7 business days | $20 per document + travel |
| Emergency appointment | Only for a life-or-death family emergency with travel within 2 weeks | Same day | $20 per document |
| Through Federal Apostille USA | We review it, drop it off in D.C. and return it to you with tracking | 10–12 business days total | $299 all-in |
What does it cost for China?
The government fee is $20 per document, paid with Form DS-4194. Our all-in price is $299 per document, covering the government fee, review, D.C. drop-off and U.S. return shipping.
Government figures: U.S. Department of State — Request Authentication Services (checked October 2026).
NARA Records for China — FAQ
Is China part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. The Convention has been in force for China since 7 November 2023, so a U.S. apostille is accepted there directly.
How long does it take to prepare a NARA Records for China?
About 10–12 business days for the U.S. Department of State apostille, plus return shipping. Certified translation runs alongside.
How much does it cost to send a NARA Records to China?
$299 per document, with government fees and U.S. shipping included. We confirm your exact price before any payment.
Do I need a translation for China?
Certified Chinese translation required. We can arrange certified translation with your order.
Can you get the NARA Records for me?
No — we don’t retrieve records. Request it from the issuing agency, then send it to us and we prepare it for China.
Do I have to be in the United States?
No. Most China orders are handled entirely by mail, and we can ship the finished document anywhere.
Related: NARA Records — full guide · All documents for China · Apostille vs. embassy legalization · Why apostilles get rejected
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.