How the authentication chain works
Most documents pass through two offices. First DARS (the Document Authentication and Registration Service) checks the document. Then MoFA (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) stamps it for use abroad. Some countries add an embassy step on their own side. Agar runs the Ethiopia side for you under a power of attorney.
"Online" here means remote instruction. You send the request and the power of attorney from wherever you live. The offices still need a person at the desk, and that person is Agar. Some sites call this document legalisation, others document legalization. Both mean the same service.
What about timelines?
Agar lodges your file within 1 business day of receiving your power of attorney. The official time is set by DARS and MoFA, and it does not change. Each office publishes its own time. Agar tells you that time, and names the office as the source, before you pay.
Fees
Each fee is fixed and published before you pay. Official government fees and courier costs pass through at cost, with receipts.
- Document procurement (standard certificate). USD 89. Timeline: 7 business days.
- Authentication chain run (DARS + MoFA). USD 99. Timeline: 5 business days.
- Document bundle + international courier. USD 199 to 249. Timeline: 10 business days door-to-door.
Proof you receive
Every document task closes with these proof items:
- A scan of every official receipt (official_receipt_scan).
- A scan of the document we collected (document_scan).
- A geotagged photo taken at pickup (pickup_geotag).
- A scan of the stamped, authenticated document (stamped_doc_scan).
Refund rule: "Service fee refunded if SLA missed for causes within Agar's control."
Common questions
Can you handle my documents if I am not in Ethiopia?
Yes. You instruct Agar from where you live and sign a power of attorney. Agar goes to the offices for you and sends proof at each step.
What is the difference between DARS and MoFA?
DARS checks the document inside Ethiopia. MoFA then stamps it so other countries accept it. Most files need both, in that order.
Do you handle embassy legalisation too?
Agar completes the Ethiopia side, through DARS and MoFA. A step at your target country's embassy follows that embassy's own rules. Agar tells you which side each step sits on before you pay.
What is a woreda document run?
A woreda is the local district office that holds many civil records. Agar goes to the right woreda or sub-city office, asks for the record, and collects it under your power of attorney.
Can you collect records from a sub-city office?
Yes. Sub-city and woreda runs are part of the standard document service. The same published fee and the same proof rules apply.
How long does it take?
Agar's own working window is published with each fee above. The official time belongs to DARS and MoFA. Ask us for the current one; we quote it with its source, and we never promise to cut it.