---
title: "Moving Abroad: The US Documents to Handle Before You Go"
description: "Moving abroad from anywhere in the US? The documents to get before you leave: certified records with apostilles, an FBI background check, powers of attorney…"
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/moving-abroad-document-checklist"
---

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.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

## 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](https://codes.findlaw.com/nj/title-22a-fees-and-costs/nj-st-sect-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](https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/living-abroad/criminal-records.html))

- ### 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](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad)) You can keep voting absentee from your last US address. The State Department's living abroad pages cover the rest. ([State Department](https://travel.state.gov/livingabroad))

## Once you're overseas

US documents still need US notarization. Embassies and consulates offer it by appointment and charge a fee per seal. A New Jersey notary can notarize by video wherever you are when the document has a US connection: it's for a US court, agency or other US entity, it involves property in the US, or it relates to a transaction substantially connected with the US. Signing also can't be prohibited where you live; you check that locally. Wills and codicils aren't covered, and a document only for a matter in your new country doesn't qualify.

[Check if your document qualifies](/notary/abroad-check) · [Notary for US citizens abroad by country](/notary/us-citizens-abroad) · [Apostille services](/notary/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.

## Need a notary? Send it to the desk.

[Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)