Argentina is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 18 February 1988). A U.S. public document bound for Argentina needs a single apostille from the competent authority of the state that issued or notarized it, or from the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. No embassy or consular legalization is required, and Argentina's authorities cannot demand one.
Acceded 1987-05-08; in force 1988-02-18 (HCCH).
The route, step by step
- Identify the issuing office
State or local signature → that state’s competent authority. Federal signature → U.S. Department of State. How to tell.
- Prepare the right version
Certified copies for vital and court records; complete notarization for private documents. Preparation checklist.
- Request the apostille
Name Argentina as the destination on the request form so the office issues an apostille (not an authentication certificate).
- Translate if required
Confirm with the receiving office in Argentina whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Argentina
Argentina was among the first Latin American members (1988) and accepts e-apostilles. Translations must be made in Argentina by a traductor público registered with the Colegio de Traductores Públicos and the translation legalized by the Colegio. Main uses: residency through Migraciones (apostilled birth and marriage certificates; apostilled FBI or state checks for applicants over 16 who lived in the U.S. for over a year), citizenship by option for children of Argentines, marriage (apostilled birth certificate and single-status declaration), and authorizations for minors: Argentine nationals under 18 leaving Argentina with one parent need an apostilled authorization from the other parent, transcribed by an Argentine notary (escribano). POAs for escribanos must follow the poder format and be apostilled.
Why U.S. documents are sent to Argentina
- Argentine citizenship (naturalization by residence)
- residency (rentista, family)
- marriage in Argentina
- registration of children
- inheritance
Argentina-specific points
- Argentina objected to Bangladesh's accession (HCCH); no bearing on US documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Argentina?
An apostille. Argentina is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Argentina?
The U.S. state that issued or notarized the document, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents — never a U.S. embassy, and never Argentina’s embassy.
Does Argentina require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Argentina; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
