Tifini Goebel, Notary Public & Apostille Services
Call or Text (650) 675-7760
Apostille Services in Burlingame, CA
Need an apostille in Burlingame, CA? I provide mobile notary and California apostille services throughout Burlingame, including the Easton Addition, Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, Burlingame Hills, Lyon Hoag, Mills Estates, and surrounding neighborhoods, for documents being used internationally. I notarize eligible documents at your home, office, or another convenient Burlingame location, then personally coordinate apostille processing with the California Secretary of State in Sacramento. Once your apostille is complete, your documents are returned securely with tracking. Certified record retrieval, certified document translation, embassy legalization for non-Hague countries, and international shipping are also available when needed.
Apostille Services in Burlingame, California
Apostille services in Burlingame are commonly needed for international legal, academic, business, and personal matters. I help simplify the process by confirming document requirements, completing mobile notarization when needed, and coordinating submission for apostille certification through the California Secretary of State.
How the Apostille Process Works in Burlingame
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Document review and eligibility check
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Mobile notarization in Burlingame (if required)
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Submission to the California Secretary of State in Sacramento
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Secure return delivery with tracking
Need documents authenticated for international use?
Call/Text (650) 675-7760 or
request a quote.
Need More Information For Mobile Notary & Apostille Services In Burlingame?
Common Apostille Requests in Burlingame
Burlingame clients frequently request apostille services for:
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Birth certificates and marriage certificates (certified copies)
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Powers of attorney for overseas legal matters
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School transcripts and diplomas for international universities
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Corporate documents for international business
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Notarized affidavits and consent letters
Do I Need Notarization Before an Apostille?
Some documents require notarization before apostille, while certified vital records typically must be certified copies and are not notarized. I’ll confirm the correct preparation for your specific document before submission.
Non-Hague Countries and Embassy Legalization
If your document is going to a country that is not part of the Hague Convention, it may require authentication and embassy or consulate legalization instead of an apostille. I can guide you based on the destination country’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions - Burlingame Apostille
An apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that authenticates the signature of a public official on a document, making it legally recognized in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. In California, the process works like this: your document must first be in the correct form, either a certified government record or a properly notarized document, and then it is submitted to the California Secretary of State, who attaches the apostille. The Secretary of State does not verify the content of your document; it only certifies the authenticity of the signature.
What is an apostille and how does it work in California?
The California Secretary of State can apostille documents that carry an eligible California public official's signature. Common examples include birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued by a California county; court-certified orders and judgments; notarized documents signed before a California notary; corporate documents such as certificates of good standing; and power of attorney documents. The Secretary of State cannot apostille documents issued by another state or a federal agency. Those require a separate process through the appropriate state's authority or the U.S. Department of State. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call or text Tifini at (650) 675-7760.
What documents can be apostilled in California?
Turnaround depends on how the document is submitted and which service you choose. Tifini's Standard Apostille Service takes 5 to 7 business days after she receives your eligible document, while her Expedited Apostille Service is completed in 1 to 2 business days. Vital Records Apostille (for birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates) takes 8 to 10 business days. These timelines begin once she has your document in hand and do not include inbound or return shipping time. If you mail documents directly to the California Secretary of State yourself, state processing times vary and can run longer during high-volume periods.
How long does it take to get a California apostille?
How do I get an apostille in Burlingame, California?
For Burlingame apostille service, your document must be California-issued or California-notarized. If notarization is required, I can travel to your home, office, hospital, or another convenient location in Burlingame before coordinating submission to the California Secretary of State for apostille processing.
Do documents need to be notarized before getting an apostille?
Some documents require notarization before apostille processing, including powers of attorney, affidavits, consent letters, authorization forms, and certain business documents. Certified California birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and divorce decrees do not require notarization before apostille processing.
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How much does apostille service cost in Burlingame?
Standard apostille service starts at $185 for the first document and $75 for each additional document. Priority apostille service starts at $245 for the first document and $75 for each additional document. California Secretary of State fees, notarization, travel, certified translation, and shipping upgrades are additional.
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What if my document is going to a non-Hague country?
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document requires authentication and embassy or consulate legalization instead of an apostille.
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Can an apostille request be rejected?
Yes. A request can be rejected if the document is incomplete, improperly notarized, issued by the wrong agency, submitted to the wrong authority, or does not meet California Secretary of State requirements.
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Can you help if I need the certified record first?
Yes. If you need a certified California birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, divorce decree, or court record before obtaining an apostille, I provide California Certified Record Retrieval Services for eligible requesters.
California Apostille Pricing and Timing Options
5-7 Business Days
Standard
Includes delivery to Sacramento, processing, and return by courier or personal delivery.
$185.00 First Document
+ $75 for each additional in the same order
1-2 Business Days
Expedited
Expedited California apostille processing for eligible, time-sensitive documents.
$245.00 First Document
+ $75 for each additional in the same order
7-10 Business Days
Vital Records
California apostille processing for eligible certified birth, marriage, and death certificates.
$135.00
+ $75 for each additional in the same order
Government fees, notarization, document retrieval, local pickup or delivery, and return shipping are additional when applicable.
California Secretary of State Fees
California Secretary of State fees are separate from my service fees:
$20 per apostilled document
$6 special handling fee per public official signature authenticated, when applicable
Return Delivery Options​
Tracked domestic and international return shipping is available. Shipping costs are quoted separately based on destination and requested service level. Local pickup or delivery can also be arranged.
Documents That Commonly Need An Apostille in California
I provide fast, secure apostille services and personal delivery to the California Secretary of State's office for documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Whether your documents are personal, business, academic, or legal, I help streamline the apostille process with accurate document review, prompt submission, and reliable service to help you meet international requirements efficiently.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another in financial, legal, business, or personal matters. When a Power of Attorney will be used in another country—such as for real estate transactions, banking matters, inheritance issues, or family affairs—an apostille may be required.
To qualify for apostille certification, the Power of Attorney must be properly notarized in the state where it is signed.
Once notarized, the document is submitted to the appropriate Secretary of State or other designated authority in the state where the notarization occurred for apostille certification.
The apostille verifies the authenticity of the notary public's signature and seal so the document can be recognized in participating foreign countries.
A Birth Certificate is one of the most commonly apostilled documents and is often required for international use in matters such as dual citizenship applications, marriage abroad, immigration, education, inheritance, or residency requirements.
In California, only a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records or by the County Clerk or Recorder's Office in the county where the birth was registered is eligible for apostille certification.
The certified birth certificate must contain the official certification, seal, and signature of an authorized public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.
The California Secretary of State verifies the authenticity of the issuing official's signature before issuing an apostille. Photocopies, hospital-issued birth records, commemorative birth certificates, and unofficial copies are not eligible for apostille certification.
A Marriage Certificate may require an apostille for international use in matters such as immigration, spousal visas, dual citizenship applications, name changes, inheritance matters, or legal recognition of a marriage in another country.
In California, only a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by the County Clerk or Recorder's Office where the marriage was recorded is eligible for apostille certification.
The certified marriage certificate must contain the official certification, seal, and signature of an authorized public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.
The California Secretary of State verifies the authenticity of the issuing official's signature before issuing an apostille. Photocopies, unofficial copies, souvenir certificates, and religious ceremony records are not eligible for apostille certification.
A Death Certificate may require an apostille for use abroad in matters such as estate administration, inheritance claims, life insurance benefits, pension matters, or the transfer of assets in a foreign country.
In California, only certified copies of death certificates issued by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records or by the County Clerk or Recorder's Office where the death was registered are eligible for apostille certification.
The certified death certificate must contain the official certification, seal, and signature of an authorized public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.
The California Secretary of State verifies the authenticity of the issuing official's signature before issuing an apostille. Photocopies, hospital-issued records, funeral home records, and unofficial copies are not eligible for apostille certification.
A Divorce Decree is a final court judgment that legally ends a marriage and may include orders relating to property division, child custody, child support, or spousal support. When a divorce decree must be presented in another country—for remarriage, immigration, dual citizenship, or other legal purposes—it may require apostille certification.
In California, the document submitted for apostille is typically a certified copy issued by the court that granted the divorce. The certified copy must contain the court clerk's certification, signature, and official seal.
Once obtained from the court, the certified divorce decree may be submitted to the California Secretary of State for apostille certification.
Single Status Affidavit
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement in which an individual declares that they are legally single and free to marry. This document is commonly required by foreign governments when a U.S. citizen plans to marry abroad or apply for certain visa, residency, or immigration benefits.
To qualify for apostille certification, the affidavit must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public and properly notarized.
Once notarized, the affidavit may be submitted to the appropriate Secretary of State for apostille certification in the state where the notarization occurred.
Some foreign authorities may also request additional supporting documents, such as a Certificate of No Record of Marriage or other civil records, depending on the requirements of the receiving country.
A Background Check is an official report detailing an individual's criminal history (or lack thereof). These reports are commonly required for employment, immigration, adoption, teaching, licensing, or residency applications abroad.
There are two common types of background checks used for apostille purposes:
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Local Police Background Check – Issued by a city, county, or state law enforcement agency
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FBI Background Check – Issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
FBI background checks are submitted for federal apostille certification through the U.S. Department of State.
Local police or state-issued background checks are generally processed through the state where they were issued. Depending on the issuing agency and state requirements, the document may qualify for apostille certification based on the signature of the issuing official or may require additional certification before apostille processing.
Copy Of U.S. Passport
A copy of a U.S. Passport may require an apostille when it will be used internationally for identity verification, dual citizenship applications, residency matters, marriage abroad, or other foreign legal purposes.
In California, a Notary Public cannot certify a copy of a U.S. passport as a true copy. Instead, the passport holder may complete a sworn affidavit stating that the attached photocopy is a true and correct copy of their passport. The affidavit is then notarized by a California Notary Public.
Once notarized, the affidavit and attached passport copy may be submitted to the California Secretary of State for apostille certification.
The apostille authenticates the notary public's signature and seal, allowing the document package to be recognized in participating foreign countries.
Document Authentication For Non-Hague Countries
Steps for Document Authentication for Non-Hague Countries
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents will generally require authentication and embassy or consular legalization rather than an apostille.
1. Document Preparation and Notarization (If Required)
Certain documents, such as Powers of Attorney, affidavits, authorization letters, and business documents, may need to be notarized before they can be authenticated.
Vital records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates, generally do not require notarization but must be certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency.
2. State Authentication (For State-Issued Documents)
Documents issued by a state agency or notarized within a state are typically authenticated by the Secretary of State in the state where the document originated.
Examples include:
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Marriage Certificates
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Death Certificates
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School Records
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Corporate Documents
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Notarized Affidavits and Powers of Attorney
The Secretary of State verifies the signature and authority of the public official or notary whose signature appears on the document.
3. Federal Authentication (When Required)
Certain documents require authentication by the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Examples include:
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FBI Identity History Summary Checks
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Federal Court Documents
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Federally Issued Records
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Certain State-Authenticated Documents When Required by the Destination Country
The U.S. Department of State verifies the authenticity of the signatures and seals appearing on the document before it can proceed to embassy legalization.
4. Embassy or Consulate Legalization
After all required authentication steps have been completed, the document is submitted to the embassy or consulate of the destination country for legalization.
Embassy or consular legalization is the final certification step that allows the foreign government to recognize the document for official use within its jurisdiction.
Additional requirements may include:
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Certified Translations
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Embassy Application Forms
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Passport Copies
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Proof of Travel, Residency, Employment, or Immigration Status
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Additional Supporting Documentation Requested by the Embassy
Important Note
Authentication and legalization requirements vary by country, document type, and intended use. Some countries require state authentication, federal authentication, and embassy legalization, while others may require a different sequence of certifications.
Because embassy requirements and processing procedures can change without notice, documents should be reviewed carefully before submission to help avoid delays or rejection.
Related Guides
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