Passport and Driver’s License for Egypt

Certified Passport Copies and Driving Records for Egypt

Egyptian authorities and banks verify the identity of foreign parties carefully. A foreign shareholder or manager of an Egyptian company, a non-resident opening a bank account, a foreigner buying property, or someone who has appointed a representative in Egypt is often asked for a legalized copy of their passport. The passport itself is never legalized. A copy is, once it has been certified in the U.S. and taken through the Egyptian legalization chain.

When Egypt asks for a legalized passport copy

Companies: registrations through GAFI identify foreign founders, shareholders and managers, and when they are not in Egypt to present their passports, legalized copies are used. Banks: account opening and signatory checks for non-residents. Property: foreigners purchasing property in Egypt identify themselves to the registry and notary. Powers of attorney: Egyptian notaries and lawyers often want a legalized passport copy of the person who signed a power abroad.

How the copy is certified in the U.S.

States differ on whether notaries may certify copies. In states that allow it, the notary compares a clear color copy of the passport’s data page with the original and certifies it. In states that do not, the passport holder signs a sworn copy certification before the notary, stating that the attached copy is true and complete. Either way, the notary’s seal must appear on the same page as the signature, which Egypt requires. The notary’s state then authenticates the notarization, the U.S. Department of State authenticates the state, and the Egyptian Embassy legalizes it. Egypt does not accept apostilles.

Driving in Egypt

Visitors generally drive on their U.S. licence together with an International Driving Permit, which is not legalized. Foreign residents usually need an Egyptian licence from the traffic authorities, and depending on current procedures they may be asked for proof of their U.S. licence. Where proof of driving history or licence status is requested, the stronger document is a certified driving record from the state motor vehicle agency. As a state record, it is authenticated by the issuing state (no notary), then by Washington and the Egyptian Embassy.

Use a valid passport and matching names

Copy a currently valid passport. A copy of an expired passport may be refused. Make sure the name and passport number match every other document in the Egyptian file, including the power of attorney, company documents and bank forms.