Documents for Use in China: The Current Process, Explained

If you need a U.S. document recognized in China — a power of attorney, a single-status affidavit, a company document — the process changed meaningfully in late 2023, and a lot of older advice online is now wrong. Here’s the current picture.

The path most documents follow now

Since the Hague Apostille Convention entered into force between the U.S. and China on November 7, 2023, many documents no longer need multi-step consular legalization. Instead the common path is: notarize the document (for private documents like a power of attorney), then obtain an apostille from the appropriate U.S. authority. The apostille is then recognized in China directly.

Why notarization comes first

An apostille authenticates an official’s seal or signature — it doesn’t replace notarization. So a private document is usually notarized first, and only then apostilled. Getting the order right avoids paying for a step you don’t need or skipping one you do.

Where I fit in

• I notarize the document remotely, in English or Chinese
• I can explain the notarize-then-apostille sequence for your specific document
• I’ll point you to the right authority for the apostille itself

Always confirm the exact requirement with the institution in China that will receive your document, since formatting expectations can vary.

Work with a bilingual notary

I’m Amy Xiaoshi Gui, a commissioned notary public offering remote online notarization in English and 中文 — evenings and weekends available, all from the comfort of your home.

Book a remote appointment: Schedule online
WeChat: Xiaoshionly
Call or text: +1-406-607-9760
Email: [email protected]

This article is general educational information about the notarization process, not legal advice. A notary public verifies identity and witnesses signatures and is not a substitute for an attorney. Remote online notarization is regulated state by state; please confirm the current requirements for your specific situation and the destination where your document will be used. I perform remote online notarizations only in the state(s) where I am commissioned and authorized (Nevada and Montana).