Because the Details Matter
Call or Text (650) 675-7760
Common Documents That May Require An 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.
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.
Apostille Service Areas
I assist clients throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, including major cities such as San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, Atherton, Burlingame, 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.
*Notaries Are Not Attorneys and Therefore Cannot Practice Legal Advice.