California Apostille Services
Need documents authenticated for international use? I handle the entire California apostille process—from notarization to Secretary of State filing and return.
Overview
An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates a document for use in another country. If you need to use a U.S. document abroad—for work, school, marriage, real estate, or legal matters—most countries that are part of the Hague Convention require an apostille rather than traditional consular legalization.
The California Secretary of State issues apostilles for documents originating in California. The process involves getting the document notarized (if it's not already a certified government document), submitting it to the Secretary of State with the correct forms and fees, and waiting for processing. I handle all of these steps for you.
Common documents that need apostilles include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, corporate documents, and court orders. Whether you need one document or a dozen, I'll guide you through the requirements and manage the entire process from start to finish.
What to Bring
- The original document(s) that need an apostille
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Information about the destination country and purpose
- Any additional certified copies needed
How It Works
Consultation
Contact me with details about your document and destination country. I'll confirm whether your document qualifies for an apostille and explain exactly what's needed.
Notarization (If Required)
Some documents need to be notarized before the apostille can be issued. I'll handle the notarization at your location. Certified copies of vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) go directly to the Secretary of State without separate notarization.
Secretary of State Submission
I prepare and submit your documents to the California Secretary of State along with the required forms and fees. I track the submission and keep you updated on its status.
Apostille Returned to You
Once the Secretary of State processes your documents (typically 5-10 business days for standard processing), I deliver the apostilled documents back to you.
Timing
5-10 business days (standard processing)
Standard processing through the California Secretary of State takes about 5-10 business days. Expedited processing (2-3 business days) is available for an additional state fee. Same-day processing may be available for in-person submissions in Sacramento. Total timeline including notarization, submission, and return is typically 1-2 weeks.
Pricing
Call for a quote
Apostille pricing depends on the number of documents, whether notarization is required, and your preferred processing speed. The California Secretary of State charges $20 per apostille. I provide a complete quote covering all fees—notarization, state fees, shipping, and my service fee—before you commit.
Rush processing is available for time-sensitive situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about apostille services services.
Ready to Get Your Documents Notarized?
Skip the hassle of finding a notary office. I'll come to you—at your home, office, or anywhere in the Bay Area. I'll confirm my availability and meet you at your location.
You'll reach me directly. Text is usually the fastest way to reach me.