Department of the Interior and Sport, Office for Migration

Apply for signature certification

Prerequisites

The document for which the signature is to be certified

• is intended for submission to a German authority abroad or
• comes from an official of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Documents required

Appointment cancellation due to unavailability

Should you be unable to keep your appointment, please cancel it in a timely manner (see link below in the "Cancellation" section). This allows us to offer the freed-up appointments to other customers at short notice. This improves appointment utilization and often enables faster appointment scheduling for those with an immediate need.

Documents required for the appointment:

• Identity card or passport
• If applicable: Letter from the foreign authority requesting a signature authentication

Please note

It is important to note that certification does not verify the content of the document, but only confirms the authenticity of the signature.

If you are abroad, German consulates or embassies can certify your signature.

Deadlines

Please inquire directly with the authority to which you wish to submit your document.

Procedure

• You can book an appointment for a personal consultation online or by phone.
• You appear in person at the appointment, bring all necessary documents with you and request the certification of your signature.
• The responsible authority will examine your application.
• You pay the fee.
• You will receive the signature confirmation

Processing time

If all necessary documents are available, processing will begin directly at your appointment.

Fees

5.00 EUR per signature certification

Payment methods available

• Girocard
• Bill
• Cash payment

Payment information

Payment by invoice / notification of fees is only possible if the application is sent by post.

Legal remedies

no

Legal basis

Section 33 Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwvfg/__33.html


Section 34 Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwvfg/__34.html