Notary approval by the Turkish Consulate requires two additional U.S. legal verifications: State notary public approval and county clerk approval, also known as notary authentication. The Turkish Consulate’s notary approval may be needed for:
- Power of attorney (POA) documents issued by non-Turkish citizens
- English documents used as evidence in Turkish courts
- U.S. court divorce decrees used in Tanıma ve Tenfiz Courts in Türkiye
- Certain Turkish social security applications (SGK ve İŞKUR gibi)
- Extended leave of absence requests from work in Türkiye, typically pregnancy-related
We assist with Turkish Consulate Notary approvals.
Here is an example of Turkish Consulate approval cover page:
Email your documents and requirements to receive a quote with prices and delivery timelines.
Understanding Turkish Consulate Approval and Apostille Legalization
If you have U.S. documents intended for official use in Türkiye, you’ll need to get them legalized. This process ensures your document is recognized as authentic by Turkish authorities. Here’s what you need to know about Turkish Consulate approval, Apostille certification, and which one is right for your situation.
1. What Does Turkish Consulate Approval Mean?
Turkish Consulate approval legitimizes the authenticity of the official seals and signatures on a document—not its content.
For example, a California notary public’s stamp is only valid within the U.S. and not recognized in Türkiye. The Consulate verifies the authenticity of a document already certified by a State or Federal government office, typically one approved by a County Clerk.
This process bridges U.S. and Turkish legal systems, making your documents valid in Türkiye. The Consulate cannot approve documents issued by licensed individuals like notaries alone, as notaries are not official state representatives.
2. How Do I Legalize an English Document for Use in Türkiye?
You have two options:
- Apostille Certification, or
- Turkish Consulate Approval
The Turkish Consulate General does not certify Apostilles, as Apostille certification is already recognized internationally under the 1961 Hague Convention. Documents issued with an Apostille are automatically valid in Türkiye and do not require further Consulate approval.
3. What Is an Apostille Certificate?
An Apostille is an international seal that makes a document legally valid in all countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961 (including the U.S. and Türkiye).
This certification guarantees that your document’s signature and seal come from an officially recognized authority, allowing it to be used in Türkiye without additional legalization by the Consulate.
4. How Do I Decide Between Apostille and Consulate Approval?
Always check with the organization or authority in Türkiye where you will submit your document. If you are represented by an attorney, they can confirm whether an Apostilled document or a Consulate-approved document is required.
5. Which Do You Recommend?
Both options are valid, but Turkish Consulate approval is often preferred for documents directly involving Turkish authorities and institutions.
Our office handles both Apostille and Consulate approval services, providing complete legalization support to ensure your documents are officially recognized in Türkiye.
6. How Can I Get Turkish Consulate Approval Myself?
You can follow these steps:
- Have your document translated by a qualified translator who can provide a notarized affidavit.
- Have the translator’s affidavit notarized by a Public Notary.
- Get the notary’s signature approved at the County Clerk’s Office.
- Schedule an appointment with the Turkish Consulate General for final legalization.
- Bring at least two copies of your document.
7. How to Schedule Your Appointment at the Turkish Consulate for Turkish Notary Approvals?
Please note that the Consulate’s website offers full information only in Turkish. To access the notary document section:
- Visit www.konsolosluk.gov.tr and switch to “Türkçe” (Turkish).
- Select “Ülke seçiniz: ABD,” then choose any city under “Şehir seçiniz.”
- On the left menu, hover over “İşlemler,” click “Noterlik” (third from the bottom).
- This section provides various power of attorney templates you can share with your attorney in Türkiye.
For Turkish Notary approvals, follow this path:
Randevu Al > Türk Vatandaşları için Konsolosluk İşlemleri > Noterlik > Tasdik Başvurusu > Yabancı Makamlardan Alınan Belgelerin İmza-Mühür Tasdiki
8. What About Commercial Documents or Invoices?
Yes, the Turkish Consulate can legalize commercial documents such as invoices or contracts.
The fee is generally calculated at around $10 per $1,000 of the document’s declared value, with a minimum consular fee applied. This rate also applies to commercial agreements and other business documents.