Romania is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force since 16 March 2001). A U.S. public document bound for Romania 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 Romania's authorities cannot demand one.
Acceded 2000-06-07; in force 2001-03-16 (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 Romania 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 Romania whether a translation is needed and by whom it must be made.
Using U.S. documents in Romania
Romania accepts U.S. apostilles. Translations must be by a translator authorized by the Romanian Ministry of Justice and are typically notarized in Romania. Procedures: regaining Romanian citizenship (apostilled U.S. birth and marriage certificates, translated; filed at the Autoritatea Națională pentru Cetățenie or consulates), transcription of foreign births and marriages, marriage (apostilled birth certificate and a sworn declaration of single status), residence permits (apostilled birth and marriage certificates for family reunification; apostilled FBI check for some categories), property and inheritance (apostilled POAs in the form Romanian notaries expect), and recognition of foreign judgments (exequatur using the apostilled judgment).
Why U.S. documents are sent to Romania
- Romanian citizenship (re-acquisition)
- residence permit
- marriage
- university admission
- inheritance/property
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille or legalization for Romania?
An apostille. Romania is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy legalization is needed.
Who issues the apostille for Romania?
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 Romania’s embassy.
Does Romania require a translation?
Requirements vary by the receiving authority in Romania; translate after the apostille with the translator type they specify.
