Tifini Goebel, Notary Public & Apostille Services
Call or Text (650) 675-7760
California Birth Certificate Apostille Services
Mail-In Service Available Throughout the United States and Worldwide
​
Need a California birth certificate apostilled for use in another country? I provide California birth certificate apostille services for eligible certified copies issued by a California County Clerk, County Recorder, or the California Department of Public Health.
​
You can use my service no matter where you live. Clients mail California birth certificates to me from throughout the United States and from abroad. Before you send the original, I review a clear photo or scan to check the issuing office and public official’s signature for California apostille processing.
​
Once the document is approved, I coordinate in-person submission to the California Secretary of State and return the completed apostilled birth certificate by tracked domestic or international shipping. Standard 7–10-business-day and expedited 1–2-business-day service options are available.
​
Don’t have an eligible certified copy yet? I can help explain where it must be requested and coordinate California certified record retrieval when the issuing agency permits third-party pickup.
Apostilled birth certificate sample
California Apostille on Birth Certificate (Sample)
Getting an Apostille for a Birth Certificate: Start With the Issuing State
If you need an apostille for a birth certificate, the first question is not where you live - it's which state issued the certificate. In the United States, only the state that issued a birth certificate can apostille it. A California birth certificate must be apostilled by the California Secretary of State; a New York birth certificate must go through New York; a Texas certificate through Texas. There is no national apostille office for state-issued vital records, and the U.S. Department of State does not apostille birth certificates.
​
This page covers birth certificates issued anywhere in California. If your certificate was issued in California - regardless of where you live now, in the U.S. or abroad - I can review it, submit it to the California Secretary of State in person, and return the apostilled birth certificate to you by tracked shipping worldwide. If your certificate was issued in another state, you'll need that state's competent authority, but you're welcome to send me a photo of the document and I'll confirm which state it needs to go through.
What Is a Birth Certificate Apostille?
A birth certificate apostille is a certificate attached by the California Secretary of State that authenticates the signature of the public official who signed your certified birth certificate. Once the apostille is attached, the birth certificate is recognized as an authenticated public document in all countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention - roughly 125 countries - without any further embassy or consular legalization.
​
The apostille does not certify the contents of the birth certificate itself. It certifies that the County Clerk, County Recorder, or State Registrar who signed the certified copy holds that office and that the signature is genuine. This is why the apostille is sometimes described as an "authenticated birth certificate" or a birth certificate with an "apostille stamp" - the apostille is a separate certificate physically attached to your certified record.
When Do You Need a Birth Certificate Apostille?
A California birth certificate may need an apostille when an eligible certified copy will be presented to a government agency, consulate, court, school, employer, or other authority outside the United States.
​
Common reasons include:
-
Dual citizenship applications
-
Marriage registration abroad
-
Residency and visa applications
-
Passport or national identification applications
-
Immigration matters
-
School or university enrollment
-
Employment or work authorization abroad
-
Adoption and family matters
-
Estate and inheritance matters
-
Legal or court proceedings abroad
Whether an apostille is required depends on the destination country and the requirements of the receiving authority. For countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille replaces the traditional legalization process for qualifying public documents such as birth certificates.
Don't Have a Certified Birth Certificate Yet?
If you need a certified California birth certificate before apostille processing, I can help coordinate the next steps. Depending on the issuing agency and eligibility requirements, you may need to request the certified copy yourself, have it mailed directly to my office, or arrange retrieval when third-party pickup is permitted.
​
What Does an Apostilled California Birth Certificate Look Like?
A completed California apostille is a separate certificate - printed on letter-size paper with the California Secretary of State's seal and signature - that is stapled or attached to your original certified birth certificate. It is titled "Apostille" and references the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961.
​
The apostille identifies the public official whose signature was authenticated, the capacity in which they signed, the date, and a unique registration number that the receiving country can verify with the California Secretary of State. The sample images on this page show both an eligible certified California birth certificate and the apostille certificate that is attached during processing.
Apostilled birth certificate sample
California Apostille Certificate Sample
Samples shown for identification purposes. California certified birth certificates vary by issuing agency and date of issuance.
Apostilled birth certificate sample
Is Your California Birth Certificate Ready for Apostille?
A California birth certificate submitted for apostille must be an eligible certified copy issued by a California County Clerk, County Recorder, or the California Department of Public Health. A photocopy, scan, or hospital keepsake certificate cannot be submitted in place of the original certified record.
​
Check the public official’s signature and title near the bottom of your certified birth certificate. The California Secretary of State can authenticate qualifying signatures of:
-
County Clerks and their deputies
-
County Recorders and their deputies
-
The California State Registrar
​
A birth certificate bearing the signature of a Health Officer, Local Registrar, County Registrar, or Registrar of Vital Records may require an additional certification from the County Clerk or a new certified copy from the County Recorder or California Department of Public Health before apostille processing.
The receiving authority may also specify whether it requires a long-form birth certificate, certified abstract, or another particular version of the record. Confirm its document requirements before ordering a new copy.
​
Not sure whether your certificate is ready? Send me a clear photo or scan before mailing the original. I can review the issuing office and public official’s signature to determine whether it appears eligible for California apostille processing.
Authorized Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy
California offers two types of certified birth certificates: a Certified Authorized Copy and a Certified Informational Copy. Although both come from an official California records office, they are not intended for the same purposes.
Certified Authorized Copy
A Certified Authorized Copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the birth certificate. It is generally the appropriate version for international matters such as dual citizenship, marriage abroad, residency, immigration, inheritance, or foreign court proceedings.
​
Only individuals authorized under California law may obtain this type of copy. When ordering by mail or online, the applicant is generally required to complete a sworn statement and have it notarized.
Certified Informational Copy
A Certified Informational Copy is marked:
“INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.”
​
It is generally available to individuals who are not authorized to obtain an Authorized Copy. Because it is not valid for establishing identity, many foreign governments, consulates, courts, and other receiving authorities may not accept it for the intended international transaction.
​
An apostille authenticates the signature of the California public official—it does not change an Informational Copy into an Authorized Copy or guarantee that the receiving authority will accept it.
Which Copy Should You Order?
For most birth certificate apostille requests, a Certified Authorized Copy is the safer choice unless the foreign receiving authority has specifically confirmed that it will accept a Certified Informational Copy.
​
Before ordering a new certificate or mailing your original, confirm the required record type with the receiving authority. You may also send me a clear photo or scan so I can review the issuing office, certificate type, and public official’s signature for California apostille processing.
California Apostille Process for Birth Certificates
1. Send Your Birth Certificate for Review
Send a clear photo or scan of your certified California birth certificate using the quote form. I review the issuing agency and public official's signature to identify whether the document is ready for California apostille processing.
​
2. Obtain an Eligible Certified Copy, If Needed
If your current birth certificate is not eligible for apostille processing, I will explain what needs to be corrected before submission. If you need a new certified copy, I can also help coordinate certified record retrieval when permitted by the issuing agency.
​
3. Choose Your Service Level
Choose Standard Vital Record Apostille Service (7–10 business days) or Expedited Apostille Service (1–2 business days) based on your deadline and my current availability.
​
4. I Coordinate the California Apostille
I handle submission of the eligible certified birth certificate for California Secretary of State apostille processing.
​
5. Your Completed Documents Are Returned
Once processing is complete, the apostille is attached to your certified birth certificate and the completed documents are returned by tracked domestic or international shipping, or local pickup or delivery can be arranged.
The California Secretary of State confirms that the submitted document must be an original certified document rather than a photocopy, and that birth-certificate eligibility depends on the signature of the California public official being authenticated.
California Commissioned Notary Public | Certified Apostille Support Specialist | Bonded & Insured
Frequently Asked Questions — California Birth Certificate Apostille
How do I apostille a birth certificate in California?
To apostille a California birth certificate, you need an eligible certified copy issued by a California County Clerk, County Recorder, or the California Department of Public Health. The certificate must bear the signature of a public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.
​
The process is: (1) obtain an eligible certified copy, (2) submit the original certified document to the California Secretary of State with the required fees, and (3) receive the birth certificate with the apostille attached.
​
I handle the document review, in-person submission, and return shipping for you. Start by sending me a clear photo or scan so I can review the issuing agency and public official’s signature before you mail the original.
Where can I get a birth certificate apostille?
An apostille for a California birth certificate can only be issued by the California Secretary of State - not by a notary, county office, or the U.S. Department of State. You can mail your document to the Secretary of State yourself, or use an apostille service like mine that submits documents in person. Because everything is handled by mail and courier, you can be located anywhere in the world.
How much does a California birth certificate apostille cost?
My Standard Birth Certificate Apostille Service is $135 for the first document and $75 for each additional document in the same order. Expedited service is $245 for the first document and $75 for each additional document. California Secretary of State fees ($20 apostille fee per document plus a $6 handling fee per signature authenticated), certified record retrieval, shipping, and translation are separate when applicable.
How long does it take to apostille a California birth certificate?
My Standard Birth Certificate Apostille Service takes 7–10 business days after I receive your eligible certified document. Expedited service is completed in 1–2 business days. These timelines begin once the document is in hand and do not include inbound or return shipping. Mailing documents to the California Secretary of State yourself typically takes longer, especially during high-volume periods.
Does my birth certificate already have an apostille stamp?
No - birth certificates are never issued with an apostille already attached. The apostille is a separate certificate that must be requested from the California Secretary of State after the certified copy is issued. If your document only shows the county or state seal and a public official's signature, it is a certified copy, not yet an apostilled one.
What if my birth certificate was issued outside California?
California cannot issue an apostille for a birth certificate issued by another state. The apostille must come from the competent authority in the state where the record originated—for example, a Texas birth certificate must be apostilled in Texas. If you’re not sure where your document qualifies, send me a photo and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Can you help if I don't live in California — or live outside the United States?
Yes. Because eligibility depends on where the birth certificate was issued, not where you live, I regularly work with clients across the U.S. and abroad. You mail me the eligible certified document (or have the county send it directly to me), and I return the completed apostilled birth certificate by tracked FedEx or DHL shipping worldwide.
Do I need a certified translation of my apostilled birth certificate?
Translation requirements are set by the destination country or receiving authority. When one is required, I can coordinate certified translation in more than 130 languages. The apostille is completed first so the entire apostilled document can be translated together, unless the receiving authority instructs otherwise.
Can I drop off or pick up my documents in person?
Yes. As a mobile business I don't maintain a public office, but document drop-off and pickup can be arranged by appointment for local clients. Documents can also be shipped - mailing instructions are provided once your request is confirmed.
Birth Certificates for Non-Hague Countries
If your California birth certificate will be used in a country where the Hague Apostille Convention does not apply, additional authentication and embassy or consular legalization may be required.
​
The required steps depend on the destination country and receiving authority. I can coordinate the appropriate authentication and legalization process for eligible California birth certificates and arrange certified translation when required.
California Birth Certificate Apostille Requirements
California Birth Certificate Requirements for an Apostille
A California birth certificate submitted for apostille must be an eligible certified copy bearing the signature of an authorized California public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State. A photocopy or scanned copy cannot be submitted in place of the certified document. The Secretary of State's current apostille request instructions specifically require an original notarized and/or certified document and state that a photocopy is not acceptable.
​
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Birth Certificates
Certified birth certificates issued by the California Department of Public Health can be submitted for apostille when they contain an eligible State Registrar signature.
​
County-Issued Birth Certificates
Certified birth certificates issued by a California County Clerk, County Recorder, or their authorized deputies can also qualify for California apostille processing.
Health Officer or Local Registrar Signatures
If the birth certificate bears the signature of a Health Officer, County Registrar, Local Registrar, or Registrar of Vital Records, an additional step may be required before apostille processing. The California Secretary of State instructs applicants in this situation to either have the certificate certified by the County Clerk in the county where it was issued or obtain a certified copy from the County Recorder or California Department of Public Health.
Birth Certificates Issued Outside California
California cannot issue an apostille for a birth certificate issued by another state. The document must be submitted to the appropriate apostille authority in the state where the record originated.
Not sure whether your certified copy qualifies? Send me a clear photo or scan before mailing the original, and I can review the issuing agency and public official's signature for California apostille processing.
California Apostille Pricing and Timing Options
7-10 Business Days
Standard Birth Certificate Apostille
In-person California apostille processing for an eligible certified California birth certificate.
$135 first document
+ $75 for each additional document
1-2 Business Days
Expedited Birth Certificate Apostille
Expedited in-person California apostille processing for an eligible, time-sensitive certified birth certificate.
+ $75 for each additional document
$245.00 First Document
California Secretary of State fees, certified record retrieval, local pickup or delivery, return shipping, translation, and other additional services are separate when applicable.
California Secretary of State Fees
California Secretary of State fees are separate from my service fees:
$20 apostille fee per document
$6 special handling fee per public official signature authenticated
Return Delivery Options
Local pickup or delivery available
FedEx domestic return shipping available
International return shipping available via FedEx or DHL
Shipping costs are quoted based on destination and service level
Document Pickup & Drop-Off
For clients using my apostille, certified translation, or record retrieval services, document drop-off and pickup can be arranged by appointment. Once your request is submitted, I'll coordinate a convenient time and location in Burlingame to exchange your documents securely — just call or text (650) 675-7760 to schedule.
Documents may also be shipped to me; I'll provide mailing instructions after your request is confirmed.
California Apostille Services
Apostille processing for eligible California-issued and California-notarized documents.
California Apostille Services
​
California Certified Record Retrieval
Need the certified record before apostille processing? Certified record retrieval and coordination are available for qualifying California vital and court records.
California Certified Record Retrieval Services
​
Certified Birth Certificate Document Translation Services
Certified translations in 130+ languages for documents used internationally.
Certified Birth Certificate Translation Services
Tifini Goebel is a commissioned California Notary Public, not an attorney. Detailed Notary does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee that apostilled documents will satisfy any specific foreign government, court, or agency requirement.
Please consult a licensed attorney for legal questions.
California Commissioned Notary Public | Certified Apostille Support Services | Bonded & Insured