Need Birth Certificate Apostille in California?

A California birth certificate apostille is only available for eligible certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency. Before submitting a document for apostille processing, it is important to verify that the birth certificate meets California Secretary of State requirements.

Certified Copies of Birth Certificates
The California Secretary of State requires a certified copy of the birth certificate issued by the appropriate government agency. Photocopies, scans, hospital souvenir certificates, and unofficial records are not eligible for apostille processing.
If you are unsure whether your birth certificate qualifies, I offer document review before submission to help prevent delays or rejections.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Records
Birth certificates issued through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office are commonly used for apostille processing. The document must contain the signature of an authorized public official whose signature can be verified by the California Secretary of State.
Many clients obtain certified copies directly from CDPH before beginning the apostille process.
Obtain vital records from any state here 

County-Issued Birth Certificates
Certified birth certificates issued by a California County Recorder or County Clerk-Recorder may also qualify for apostille processing when they contain the proper certification and official signature.
Examples include certified copies issued by counties such as San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Francisco County, and other California counties.

Birth Certificates Issued Outside California
If your birth certificate was issued in another state, the apostille must typically be obtained from the Secretary of State in the state where the birth certificate originated. California cannot issue an apostille for a birth certificate issued by another state.
If you have an out-of-state birth certificate, I may be able to help coordinate processing through my nationwide apostille network.

Apostilles for Hague Convention Countries
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document will generally require an apostille. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the public official's signature so the document can be recognized in another Hague Convention country.
Common examples include Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, and many other participating countries.

Authentication and Embassy Legalization for Non-Hague Countries
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document may require authentication and embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille.

Depending on the destination country and document type, additional steps may include California Secretary of State authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, embassy legalization, and certified translation services. Requirements vary by country and receiving authority.

For this reason, I recommend confirming document requirements before submission whenever possible.