Requirements for Document Authentication
All documents such as adoption, trademarks, non-governmental organizations, foundations, or individual power of representation, property rights, court decisions, wedding or divorce certificates, etc. that have to be used in Ethiopia should be authenticated by The Consulate General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Los Angeles, California
1. Authenticating Documents Originating in the United States
A. For U.S. Citizens and Other Nationals
- Notarization and authentication of the document by the Secretary of State of the state which issues the document;
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State;
- Payment of a $94.80 service fee for each authentication. The money is payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia in the form of a money order;
- An envelope with a return address and sufficient prepaid postage (for those who use mail service);
B. For Ethiopians and Holders of an Ethiopian Origin ID
- Notarization and authentication of the document by the Secretary of State of the state which issues the document;
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State,
- Copy of valid Ethiopian passport or Ethiopian origin ID
- Payment of a $61.20 service fee for each authentication. The money is payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia in the form of a money order;
- An envelope with a return address and sufficient prepaid postage (for those using mail service);
2. Authenticating Documents Originating in Ethiopia
- Prior authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
- Copy of valid Ethiopian passport or Ethiopian origin ID
- $94.80 for each authentication in the form of a money order payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia (For U.S. and other foreign nationals)
- $61.20 for each authentication in the form of a money order payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia (For Ethiopians and holders of an Ethiopian origin ID)
3. Power of Attorney (Wikilina)
A. For Ethiopians and Holders of Ethiopian Origin ID
In cases where the Power of Attorney is signed in the presence of a consular officer at The Consulate,
Bring the following:
- Completed power of attorney document that will then be signed in the presence of a consular officer;
- Copy of valid Ethiopian passport or Ethiopian origin ID;
- Copy of Green Card or I-94;
- Service fee of $61.20 for each authentication made payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia in the form of a money order;
- And one of the power of attorney documents from below
The following sample draft Power of Attorney documents are in Amharic.
They are prepared by the Consulate to help you prepare a complete document when you seek service. There are three types of draft copies you can choose from based on your needs. To open these documents you may need Adobe Reader
In cases where the Power of Attorney is sent to the Consulate by mail for authentication, you should provide the following:
- Notarization of the completed power of attorney document by a recognized notary office;
- Copy of a valid Ethiopian passport or Ethiopian Origin ID;
- Copy of a Green Card or I-94;
- Service fee $61.20 for each authentication made payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia in the form of a money order;
- An envelope with a return address and sufficient prepaid postage;
- [A downloaded sample draft power of attorney.] This follows also the same criteria as above.
B. For U.S. and Other Nationals
- Notarized copies of the completed power of attorney document and authentication by the Secretary of State in which the individual is a resident;
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State;
- Service fee $94.80 payable to The Consulate General of Ethiopia in the form of a money order;
- An envelope with a return address and sufficient prepaid postage (for those using mail service)'
