Common Documents That Require Apostille
If you're submitting documents for use in another country, they may need to be apostilled to be legally recognized. Below is a helpful breakdown of the most common types of documents I facilitate for apostille processing through the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.
Required for: Dual citizenship, marriage abroad, education, or inheritance.
Must be a certified copy from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the County Clerk’s Office.
Apostille Birth Certificates
Apostille Marriage Certificates
Required for: Spousal visas, name changes, or legal recognition of marriage.
Must be an official certified copy issued by the County Clerk or Recorder.
Apostille Death Certificates
Required for: Estate matters, life insurance claims, or international inheritance.
Must be a certified copy signed by a county or state official.
Apostille Divorce Decrees
Required for: Remarriage abroad or legal recognition.
Must be an official certified copy issued by the court.
Apostille Name Change Documents
Required for: Immigration, marriage, or inheritance.
Must be a court-certified copy or certified by the issuing agency.
Apostille Single Status Affidavit / Non-Impediment Certificate
Required for: Marriage abroad.
Must be notarized and sometimes certified by the County Clerk.
Apostille Naturalization Certificate
Naturalization Certificate
Required for: Dual citizenship or residency abroad.
Requires a Certified True Copy from USCIS and submission to the U.S. Department of State.
Legal and Authorization Documents
Apostille for Power of Attorney (POA)
For use overseas (real estate, banking, medical), a POA must be properly notarized and may need additional certification depending on the destination country (e.g., consulate/embassy legalization for non-Hague countries).
Pro Tip on Translations: When translating from Spanish to English, ensure “notario público” → “notary public.” Using the wrong term can trigger rejection by the Secretary of State.
Apostille Authorization Letters
Required for: Allowing someone else to act on your behalf internationally.
Must be notarized. Some countries may also require translation.
Apostille Travel Consent Letters
Required for: Minor children traveling internationally.
Must be notarized by a parent or legal guardian.
Apostille U.S. Passport Copies California
Government-Issued and Background Documents
Required for: Dual citizenship, marriage abroad, immigration.
Must be notarized as a true copy.
Police Reports
Required for: Immigration, insurance, legal cases.
Must be issued on agency letterhead and notarized.
State Background Checks
Required for: Employment, immigration, or adoption abroad.
Issued by local law enforcement and notarized.
FBI Background Checks
Required for: Federal-level authentication.
Must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State.
Corporate & Business Documents
Apostille Articles of Incorporation / Organization
Apostille Certificates of Good Standing
Apostille Operating Agreements or Bylaws
Apostille Board Resolutions
Apostille Business Licenses or Tax Certificates
Required for: International contracts, expansion, banking, or legal setup overseas.
Must be certified by the Secretary of State or properly notarized.
Educational & Academic Documents
Apostille Diplomas and Degrees
Apostille Transcripts
Apostille Enrollment or Graduation Certificates
Required for: Studying or working abroad.
Must be notarized or issued with a certification from the educational institution.
*Notaries Are Not Attorneys and Therefore Cannot Practice Legal Advice.