Notarial and documentary services in Mexico
Documents, certificates, letters and notes available at the British consulates in Mexico.
In order to guarantee the health and safety of both customers and staff, we will not be offering notarial and documentary services as a result of the ever-changing developments of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Mexico.
If you think you have an urgent need for a notarial service, please contact us.
Overview
The British consulate can provide a range of notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Mexico
Where local notaries can provide services, the British consulate will not provide them. In many cases local notaries or lawyers can provide services more cheaply, quickly and conveniently.
You must make an appointment for each service that requires your personal attendance. Use the links after each service to make an appointment. A member of staff will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Before booking, make sure you have selected the correct service and that the document will be accepted by the relevant authority. This could be the local town hall, registry office, tax authorities, immigration office or another authority either in Mexico, the UK or a third country.
Services we provide in Mexico
Consular staff in Mexico can:
- make a certified copy of a document
- prepare a document in English or the local language
For information about documents relating to marriage, such as a certificate of no impediment (CNI) and affirmations or affidavits of marital status, see getting married abroad.
If you can’t find the service you are looking for on this page, see other services provided by the British embassy in Mexico
What to bring to your appointment
See the individual services below for details of supporting documents to bring. Make sure you have acceptable proof of address and identity, and payment for any fees. See the full list of consular fees
Payment
We accept payment by Visa and Mastercard bank cards at the Embassy.
Proof of address and identity
For all appointments for notarial services you will need to bring acceptable proof of your identity and address. We accept passports, driver’s licenses and voter identity cards as proof of identity.
We accept bills for public services as proof of your address.
Make a certified copy of a document
This service is for customers who need certified photocopies of British passports or British driving licences (both the plastic card and paper document are required).
What you will need to bring with you:
- the document that you need a certified copy of
- the correct fee – see the list of fees
- proof of identity/address
Book an appointment to make a certified copy in Mexico
Prepare a document in English or the local language
A list of English speaking translators and interpreters who may be able to help you with official transactions in Mexico. Please note that inclusion in this list does not constitute official endorsement by the British Embassy or the UK government.
Issue a letter of request for criminal background’s check
This service is for British nationals who need the Embassy to issue a letter requesting the Mexican authorities to issue a Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Datos Registrales). The Embassy does not provide this service for any other nationals. Please note that the Criminal Record Certificate itself is processed by the Mexican authorities only, and cannot be provided directly through the Embassy.
What you will need to bring with you:
- the correct fee – see the list of fees
- proof of identity
Book an appointment to prepare a document in English or the local language
Further information for Mexico
- list of funeral directors
- list of translators and interpreters
- list of lawyers
- list of medical facilities
- prisoner pack
- bereavement information
The British Embassy has produced an information note on different versions of names, which you can print if necessary. Please see the Information note:
.
Services provided elsewhere
We no longer witness life certificates for British nationals claiming a British pension abroad. Please refer to the list of people working in a recognised profession who can do this for you.
Data protection
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy / consulate by the relevant authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly the FCDO and the British embassy / consulate will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. For all notarial and legalisation services it is the responsibility of the customer to ascertain the precise requirements of the person requesting the notarial or legalisation service and to satisfy themselves that the service provided by the embassy/consulate will be accepted.
Updates to this page
Last updated 27 April 2021 + show all updates
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We have updated the services we offer in Mexico.
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Changes regarding the services we offer in Mexico City during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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We have added information on how to issue a letter of request for criminal background's check.
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We have added information on the "Administer an oath, affirmation or affidavit" section.
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We have updated information on prisoner pack and bereavement.
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Updated broken link for lawyers list
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We have updated information on the consular services we provide.
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Updated November 2017
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First published.