About the service
Documents issued in Jamaica which are needed for use overseas for business or other personal reasons may require authentication and legalisation before they can be accepted in the country where they are intended to be used.
The authority receiving the documents in the country where you intend to use them will advise you whether authentication is required. The Consular Affairs Department cannot determine which documents that authority will accept.
Authentication
The Ministry attests that the signature and stamp or seal on a document belong to a person authorised to sign for the issuing organisation, and that the document does not appear fraudulent. The Ministry does not attest to the document’s other contents.
Legalisation
A consular officer representing the country where the document will be used attests that the signature and stamp or seal of the Ministry’s authenticating officer are legitimate. Legalisation may also be required for certain documents originating abroad for use in Jamaica.
Certification of copies
The Consular Affairs Department can certify photocopies if they will be accepted in the country where they are intended to be used. The certified copy must also be counter-certified by that country’s consular officer.
Documents commonly authenticated
- Birth, marriage and death certificates, Deed Polls and Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage issued by the Registrar General’s Department.
- Educational certificates, diplomas, transcripts and similar documents certified by the Ministry of Education.
- Sworn declarations, statements, affidavits, powers of attorney and similar documents signed before a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.
- Court documents.
- Medical documents certified by the Ministry of Health.
- Company documents and commercial certificates of free sale.
- Other documents duly signed by a recognised authority.
Fees and service hours
Fees apply per document and are payable in cash. The Ministry’s published fees are:
- $500Jamaican dollars
- $20United States dollars
- €15Euros
- £15Pounds sterling
Applications and payments: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Collection of completed documents: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.