Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register with the U.S. Embassy?
The current procedure is to enroll with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is done entirely online through the STEP website. Enrollment is voluntary, free of charge, and allows the Department of State to assist you more easily in case of an emergency. We encourage you to enroll whether you are visiting Portugal or residing here.
Legalization of Portuguese issued documents to use in the USA
If you need to legalize documents issued by Portuguese ministries, courts, registry offices and notaries, lawyers, solicitors, commerce and industry chambers, postal service, public schools, city councils and parish councils for use in the US you must
Obtain an Apostille seal from the Prosecutor General of the Republic or the District Deputy Prosecutor General of Porto, Coimbra, Évora or from the public prosecutors who lead the County District Prosecutors’ Offices of Madeira (seat in Funchal) and Açores (seat in Ponta Delgada).
For additional information and contact information, please click here.
Legalization of Portuguese school records issued by private schools to use in the United States
Portuguese authorities may also certify documents executed by private schools, provided the following formalities are complied with:
Documents executed by private pre-school, primary and secondary teaching establishments are first certified by the Direção-Geral dos Estabelecimentos Escolares (Praça de Alvalade, n.º 12, Lisboa; telephone: 21 8433900; www.dgeste.mec.pt.
Documents executed by private higher education establishments are first certified by the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (Av. Duque D’Ávila, nº 137, Lisboa; telephone: 21 3126000; www.dges.gov.pt/pt.
For additional information and contact information, please click here.
Legalization/certification/authentication of U.S. School Records
The U.S. Embassy does not authenticate educational transcripts or diplomas. Transcripts and Diplomas need to be authenticated with a certification called “Apostille” issued by the Secretary of State of the state in which the grades were obtained and then translated into Portuguese. The U.S. Embassy does not provide translation services but provides a list of translators for your convenience. For more information regarding official documents, please see Documents and Notarial page, as well as the page with information about the Apostille. For additional information regarding studying in Portugal, please contact the Fulbright Commission.
Legalization/certification/authentication of State issued documents
State issued documents destined for use in Portugal may be authenticated with an Apostille seal issued by the Competent Authority in the state where the document was executed. A list of these authorities can be found on the Hague Convention website.
A document with an Apostille seal does not require additional certification by the U.S. Department of State or legalization by the U.S. embassy or consulate to be recognized in Portugal.
Further information on how to request an Apostille seal can be found on the State Department’s website.
Medallion Signature Guarantees
A medallion signature guarantees are often required by U.S. banks or mutual fund companies. Unfortunately, we cannot legally perform a signature guarantee.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee is not a notarial service, but rather a special procedure related to securities, which can only be performed by an authorized representative of a financial institution participating in a medallion program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). U.S. Consular Officers are not authorized to provide a signature guarantee/medallion guarantee service.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission may be contacted directly via the Internet at SEC website, via telephone at 1-800-SEC-0330 (investor assistance and complaints), via fax at 202-942-7040, or by mail at Mail Stop 11-2, 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Notarization of an Affidavit
An Affidavit is a sworn statement used for a variety of purposes. The U.S. Embassy does not guarantee the accuracy of the information in the affidavit. Rather, the U.S. Embassy simply verifies the identity of the individual(s) signing the affidavit.
Please note that the U.S. Embassy is unable to provide advice about the content or usage of the affidavit, including with respect to documents to be submitted to a Portuguese government office or agency. Please consult with the relevant Portuguese authorities directly as to whether a notarized affidavit is acceptable in your situation.
Notarizing a translation of a document
The U.S. Embassy/Consulates does not provide translation services.
If you bring the original document and the English translation, we will notarize the translation as an affidavit. An affidavit is a sworn statement and may be used in different situations for many different purposes. The translator of the document must appear in person at the Embassy/Consulate with a valid I.D. and sign in front of a consular officer.
Where and how to apply for a copy
If you need a birth, marriage, death or divorce certificate from your state, please visit the CDC’s website.
How do I exchange my driver’s license
Information about driver’s exchange: Visit the Portuguese Government authority website IMT .
U.S. citizens need to present the following document issued in the USA to the local authorities:
An abstract of driving record from the issuing authority in the last state of residence in the United States. Here is the contact info for the DMV The Abstract must attest the authenticity of the driving license, date of issue and expiration date, class of vehicles that you may drive and any suspension and revocation.
The Abstract must be authenticated. The authentication process called an “Apostille” is requested from the State authority. Please follow the link to the U.S. States Designated authorities for authentications .
Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
IMPORTANT: Due to government regulations, U.S. embassies and consulates cannot provide the following services:
