Authentication chain for Certificate of Identity bound for Laos
Laos is not (yet) a Hague Apostille member — therefore Certificate of Identity must pass through: Notary Public → MFA Thailand → Laos Embassy.
After MFA Thailand, the Laos Embassy in Bangkok must add their consular stamp before the document is usable abroad.
Our team refreshes Laos requirements quarterly to avoid bounce-back on format changes.
About Certificate of Identity
Notarial verification that the person appearing is the same individual identified in the underlying ID, for foreign authorities.
Common reasons clients prepare Certificate of Identity for Laos: Identity confirmation to open a foreign bank account · Identity confirmation for overseas study/employment applications · Identity confirmation to receive an overseas pension.
Source documents to bring: Original passport, ID card, Source document (if any).
Total cost and timeline
Notary Public: confirmed in a written quotation from staff — turnaround timeline depends on the document — ask our staff.
MFA Consular Affairs (Chaengwattana): confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) — 2-3 business days (1-day express available).
Laos Embassy: fees and queue vary, typically 3-10 business days.
Total ~8-14 business days · Express ~4-6 days.
Document checklist
- Original Certificate of Identity (or copy to be certified)
- Signer's Thai ID / passport
- Laos Embassy appointment slip (if any)
- Power of attorney (if our runner files on your behalf)
- Certified translation (if the destination requires local language)
FAQ
Will my Certificate of Identity be accepted in Laos?
Yes — provided the full chain (Notary → MFA → Laos Embassy) is completed. We handle each step.
Total turnaround?
8-14 business days · express in 4-6 days.
Total cost?
Notary MFA confirmed in a written quotation from staff per stamp (standard) or confirmed in a written quotation from staff (express) + Laos Embassy fee.
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.