Authentication chain for Name/Surname Change Certificate bound for China
China is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention — therefore Name/Surname Change Certificate must pass through: Notary Public → MFA Thailand → Apostille (for China).
Once the MFA issues an Apostille, China accepts it directly — no further embassy step required, saving 1-2 weeks and embassy fees.
Note: Acceded Nov 2023 — confirm with the Chinese Embassy for certain document types
About Name/Surname Change Certificate
Notarisation of Thai name/surname change certificate to align documents and visas abroad.
Common reasons clients prepare Name/Surname Change Certificate for China: แก้ชื่อในพาสปอร์ต/กรีนการ์ด/PR · อัปเดตชื่อในทะเบียนโรงเรียน/มหาวิทยาลัยต่างประเทศ · เปลี่ยนชื่อในบัญชีธนาคาร/หลักทรัพย์ต่างประเทศ.
Source documents to bring: ใบสำคัญเปลี่ยนชื่อ/สกุลตัวจริง, บัตรประชาชน/พาสปอร์ต, คำแปลอังกฤษ.
Total cost and timeline
Notary Public: quoted on request — turnaround 1–2 ชั่วโมง.
MFA Consular Affairs (Chaengwattana): quoted on request per stamp (standard) or quoted on request (express) — 2-3 business days (1-day express available).
Apostille included with the MFA step — no embassy fees.
Total ~5-7 business days · Express ~2-3 days.
Document checklist
- Original Name/Surname Change Certificate (or copy to be certified)
- Signer's Thai ID / passport
- State Apostille as the destination
- Power of attorney (if our runner files on your behalf)
- Certified translation (if the destination requires local language)
FAQ
Will my Name/Surname Change Certificate be accepted in China?
Yes — after the Apostille, China accepts it directly with no extra embassy step.
Total turnaround?
5-7 business days · express in 2-3 days.
Total cost?
Notary quoted on request + MFA quoted on request per stamp (standard) or quoted on request (express) (includes Apostille).
Does an Apostille expire?
The Apostille itself does not expire, but many receiving authorities want documents dated within 3-6 months — verify with the recipient.