Document Authentication

  1. Consular Services
  2. Doc Auth

Document Authentication

               



Authentication

Authentication of Documents is one of the most common consular services but even the phrase itself may be confusing to some seeking this very service. Different Nigerian Missions abroad refer to this service in a variety of names: Legalization, Certification, Endorsement, Attestation, Notarization, etc depending on what type of document is being authenticated and what procedure is required in the host country to authenticate it. Be mindful of terminology. However, they all fall under this Document Authentication category of services rendered by the consular. Note basic requirements and what terms are commonly used to refer to what services below:

 

Birth Certificate

Authentication of Birth Ceirtificate Issued in Nigeria.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm).
  • The Original Birth Certificate.
    • If issued after 1992, Must be by the National Population Commission.
    • Must be Legalized at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
  • Receipt of Legalization Fee issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Age Declaration

Authentication of Age Declaration for use in host country.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm).
  • A Sworn affidavit of Age Declaration from a High Court in Nigeria.
    (Legalized at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja)
  • Receipt of Legalization Fee issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Driving License

Drivers' License obtained in Nigeria for use in Foreign Country.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • The Original Nigeria Drivers License.
  • Copy of Valid Visa/Residence Permits. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Address Confirmation

Confirmation of residential/permanent address in Nigeria.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm).
  • A Sworn Affidavit indicating residence from a High Court in Nigeria.
    (Legalized at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja)
  • Receipt of Legalization Fee issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Educational Certificates

Authentication of Academic/Educational Certificates like WAEC, SSCE, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB Results or College/University Degrees.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • Copy of Attested and Legalized Certificate:
  • Pin and Serial Number from Scratch Card
  • Photocopy of Current Visa Pages. 
  • Receipt of Legalization Fee issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Singles Certificate

Authentication of Bachelorhood/Spinsterhood Certificate.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Valid passport data pages of the applicant and fiancee. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm). 
  • Affidavit of Bachelohood/Spinsterhood from a Nigerian Court.
    (Legalized at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja)
  • Receipt of Legalization Fee issued at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
  • Letter confirming Single Status from Applicant’s LGA in Nigeria. 
  • If divorced, Applicant should provide Divorce Certificate to re-marry. 
  • Certificate/Letter of No Objection from State Authority in charge of Marriage Registration. 
  • Statement of Marital Status of the foreign spouse from host country JP or other relevant Authorities
    (If not in English, an additional certified translation of the original document may be necessary). 
  • Letter of Consent from both parties, addressed to the Head of Mission. 
  • Physical Presence of Both Parties at the Consular Mission.
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission. 

 

Police Report

Authentication of Police Clearance Report or Police Character Certificate (PCC) obtained in Nigeria.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Nigerian Passport Data Page. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm). 
  • Police Character Certificate Obtained in Nigeria.
    (Legalized at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja)
  • Copy of the completed Fingerprint form.
    (The same form that was submitted to FCID, See Example)
  • Proof of Address in Host Country. 
  • Resident Status in Host Country. 
  • Self-Addressed Envelope (for Nigerian in EU). 
  • Administrative Fee determined by the mission
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Business Documents

Authentication of Commercial Documents issued in host country to be used in Nigeria such as filing by NAFDAC.

  • Application Letter to the Head of Mission.
  • Copy of Applicant Passport Data Page. 
  • Two Passport Photographs (35/40mm).
  • Authentication at Host Country's Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
    (Document must be endorsed with ministry seal) 
  • Authentication at Host Country's Ministry of Justice.
    (Document must be endorsed with ministry seal) 
  • Authentication at Host Country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    (Document must be endorsed with ministry seal)
  • Copy and original contract of co-operation with Nigerian Company/Partner. 
  • Business correspondence between Nigerian and Host Country Company/Partner. 
  • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation / Business License of the Nigerian Company/Partner.
  • Appointment Booking with the Nigerian Mission.
  • Any extra requirements by the Nigerian Mission.

 

Citizenship Renunciation

The Renunciation of Nigerian of Nigerian Citizenship process is done in the Federal Ministry of Interior Citizen Services and then legalized in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The final documents are then Authenticated in the Nigerian Mission for use in the host country. Please click here for details