Moving abroad
Moving abroad: the US paperwork to handle before you go
A residence visa, a foreign bank and a lease abroad all want US documents, certified and apostilled. And the house, the car and the accounts you leave behind still need signatures. Here's what to do before you leave, and how to handle the rest from overseas.
Before you leave
Certified records, apostilled by the issuing state
Visas and residency usually need certified birth, marriage or divorce records with an apostille. A record is apostilled by the state that issued it, so a New Jersey birth certificate goes to New Jersey's Division of Revenue, which charges $25 per apostille. (N.J.S.A. 22A:4-1a) Records from other states go to those states. Ask the destination's consulate whether you also need a translation.
An FBI background check, apostilled federally
Many residence visas ask for one. It needs fingerprints, which you can't get at a US embassy, so do it before you go. Federal documents like this are apostilled by the US Department of State, not by a state. (State Department)
Powers of attorney for what stays behind
Someone you trust can sell the car, close a lease, handle the bank or sign at a house closing. Many institutions want their own form, so ask before you sign a general one. Have an attorney draft it if real estate is involved.
Taxes and voting don't stop
US citizens abroad generally still file US tax returns. (IRS) You can keep voting absentee from your last US address. The State Department's living abroad pages cover the rest. (State Department)
Once you're overseas
US documents still need US notarization. Embassies and consulates offer it by appointment and charge a fee per seal. For documents tied to a US matter, a New Jersey notary can notarize by video wherever you are, when the act isn't prohibited where you live. We can also get the New Jersey apostille and ship the finished document to you.
Notarized online, apostilled and shipped · Check if your document qualifies · Notary for US citizens abroad by country · Apostille services
General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.
Questions
Who apostilles my birth certificate?
The state that issued it. A New Jersey record goes to New Jersey's Division of Revenue, which charges $25 per apostille. Federal documents like an FBI check go to the US Department of State.
Can I get an FBI background check at the embassy?
No. US embassies and consulates don't take fingerprints, so get it done before you move.
Can I get US documents notarized after I move?
Yes. At a US embassy or consulate by appointment, or by video with a US notary for documents tied to a US matter, where local law allows.