How do I get an apostille in California?

To obtain an apostille in California, ensure your document is properly notarized or certified, then submit it to the California Secretary of State in Sacramento or Los Angeles. We can facilitate this process for you.

Where can I obtain vital records in California for an apostille?

Each county in California has its own Vital Records office or County Clerk that issues certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. This page includes links and contact details for each county.

How long does the apostille process take in California?

Processing times vary by mail volume. Standard Secretary of State service can take 2–3 weeks, while expedited courier options may complete in 1–3 business days.

Do you offer statewide apostille facilitation?

Yes. While based in Burlingame, I provide apostille facilitation for all 58 counties in California, assisting both local and out-of-state clients.

Can you assist with embassy or consulate legalization?

Yes. For non-Hague countries, I can coordinate authentication through the California Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State, and the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Birth Certificate Apostille Services In California

Birth Certificate Apostille in California

If you need to use a U.S. birth certificate overseas for citizenship, immigration, marriage, employment, or education, the receiving country may require an apostille or, if the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, embassy or consulate legalization. I facilitate the entire process, including California Secretary of State apostilles, U.S. Department of State federal authentications, and embassy or consulate legalization when required.

When Do You Need a Birth Certificate Apostille?

A birth certificate apostille may be required for:

Dual citizenship applications
Passport issuance abroad
Marriage registration overseas
School or university enrollment
Residency or employment abroad
Immigration proceedings
Legal, family, or inheritance matters

Disclaimer: I facilitate the California apostille process for eligible documents. Clients are responsible for confirming requirements with the destination country, agency, or receiving authority. I do not provide legal advice or guarantee acceptance abroad.

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California Apostille Process for Birth Certificates

How the Birth Certificate Apostille Process Works

I confirm the destination country requirements.
We make sure your birth certificate is a proper certified copy.
I submit the document to the California Secretary of State.
If the country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, I coordinate any required U.S. Department of State authentication and embassy or consulate legalization.
I return your completed documents with tracking and clear instructions for use.

Federal Apostille vs. California Apostille (What’s the Difference?)

Use this rule:

If the document was issued by California → California Secretary of State

If the document was issued by a Federal agency → U.S. Department of State

Birth certificates are state-issued, so California handles them — unless a country requires both state + federal authentication (rare but possible).

Embassy Legalization for Non-Hague Countries

If the destination country is not in the Hague Apostille Convention, the process becomes:

California Apostille
U.S. Department of State Authentication (if required)
Embassy or Consulate Legalization

We coordinate each step to prevent delays and rejections.

How We Work (Start to Finish)

My Apostille Facilitation Includes:

I review your documents for apostille requirements, coordinate submission to the correct agency, and manage return shipping so you do not have to worry about errors or delays. California Apostille Services

I make the process simple:

Confirm if apostille or legalization is needed
Guide you to obtain certified copy requirements (if needed)
Submit to the correct agencies
Return your completed documents

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Service Area

I assist clients throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, including major cities such as San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto - for document notarization, apostille facilitation, and international legalization.

I also support clients statewide for California-origin documents, and offer nationwide support for federal authentication, apostille, and consular legalization.

Helpful Resources