Authentications
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for contacting us regarding the Document Authentication process.
Please review the instructions for the DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION process carefully, as procedures have recently changed.
Note: An appointment is required to visit the Consulate; however, most document authentications can be completed by mail.
────────────────────────────
DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION
Please read carefully
Any document submitted for authentication must be an original or a certified copy with an original stamp and signature.
Ensure that the signature on the document is legible.
If it is not, write the full name of the signatory on a separate sheet of paper.
Note: For original private documents that require your signature, contact consulate.pty.lax@outlook.com, send scanned copies, and request a Zoom appointment. This carries an additional notarial fee.
────────────────────────────
PENSIONADO VISA APPLICANTS
All pension letters or U.S. Social Security letters proving your U.S. pension must be notarized.
When notarizing the document, request a copy of the certification or a sworn affidavit of the document.
If we receive documents that are not notarized, they will be returned via USPS standard mail using either your prepaid envelope or with postage paid by us.
────────────────────────────
REQUESTING AN IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT
Email us and attach a PDF of each document requiring authentication.
We will review your documents to ensure they meet the requirements.
Please note:
Document review takes 3–5 business days.
If the documents are in order, we will schedule your in-person appointment.
If the documents are not in order, we will notify you via email with instructions.
Important: Do not email scanned copies if you intend to mail your documents. Follow the mailing instructions below.
────────────────────────────
COST OF DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION
$30.00 per document authentication
If a document contains multiple pages, additional pages are $2.00 each
Payment must be made via money order or cashier’s check payable to:
Consulate General of Panama
Personal checks are not accepted
────────────────────────────
EXPEDITED SERVICE
If you need your documents urgently (less than 10–15 business days), notify us by email.
We will confirm whether your documents qualify for expedited processing.
Expedited service costs and timeframe (typically 2–3 business days) will be communicated once approved.
────────────────────────────
SHIPPING DOCUMENTS BACK TO YOU
Include a prepaid envelope for the return of your documents or include an additional fee for FedEx shipping.
Choose one shipping option:
FedEx Standard Overnight (USA) – $65.00 (next day by 8 PM)
FedEx First Overnight (USA) – $95.00 (next day by 10 AM, depending on location)
FedEx International Priority (Panama) – $105.00
Note: Shipment time is not included in the standard 10–15 business day processing time.
────────────────────────────
PREPARING DOCUMENTS FOR SHIPMENT
Include a cover letter with your phone number, home address, and email for any follow-up.
Documents received without a cover letter and with errors will be returned via USPS or your prepaid envelope.
Include a copy of your identification (or bring it for in-person appointments).
Standard legalization takes 10–15 business days from the date of receipt.
For in-person appointments, contact consulate.pty.lax@outlook.com to scan and submit your documents for scheduling.
────────────────────────────
SHIPPING ADDRESS
Consulate General of Panama
111 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 1120
Long Beach, CA 90802
Important: Authenticated documents must be validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama within 6 months of the authentication date. Documents not validated within this timeframe will expire and must be re-authenticated.
────────────────────────────
DOCUMENTS WITH AN APOSTILLE
If the document has been apostilled by the Secretary of State, no additional authentication from the Consulate is required.
Apostilled documents are valid for immediate use in Panama without further validation.