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.

A marriage certificate apostille may be required for:

Spousal or family immigration
Marriage registration abroad
Dual citizenship applications
Residency or relocation
Social benefits or pension transfers
Legal or family matters
Divorce or annulment proceedings involving foreign authorities

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 Marriage Certificates

When Do You Need a Marriage Certificate Apostille?

How the Birth Certificate Apostille Process Works

First 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.

Accepted Types of Marriage Certificates

For California-issued certificates, the document must be:

✔ A certified copy
✔ Issued by a County Clerk / Recorder or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
✔ Bearing an official seal or stamp
✖ Not a photocopy or scanned image
✖ Not a decorative “souvenir” certificate from a wedding venue

If you do not have a certified copy, I can guide you on how to obtain one.

How the Marriage Certificate Apostille Process Works

I confirm the destination country requirements.
We make sure your marriage certificate is a proper certified copy.
The certificate is submitted to the California Secretary of State.
If the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, I coordinate any required U.S. Department of State authentication and embassy or consulate legalization.
Documents are returned with tracking and clear instructions for use.

Apostille vs. Authentication vs. Legalization

To avoid confusion, here is a simple breakdown:

Apostille is used when the destination country participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.
Authentication is the step used when the country does not participate.
Legalization is performed by the embassy or consulate of the destination country after authentication, if required.

I confirm the correct pathway before submitting your documents.

Processing Times

Typical timelines are:

California apostille processing: typically ranges from 1 to 10 business days, depending on the level of service selected and current processing conditions. Timelines are estimates and may vary due to state agency workload or mailing conditions.
U.S. Department of State Authentication: Varies based on workload and method
Embassy or Consulate Legalization: Varies based on destination country. Additional steps such as federal authentication or embassy/consulate legalization may extend overall processing time depending on the destination country.

If you have a deadline, tell me in advance so I can recommend the right timeline.

My Apostille Facilitation Service

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

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.

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Helpful Resources

How to obtain Vital Records (all states)
Hague Apostille Country list
Understanding the Hague Convention
Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates
Common Documents Requiring Apostille

Frequently Asked Questions

Apostille Refund Policy

*Notaries Are Not Attorneys and Therefore Cannot Practice Legal Advice.

Available Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 P.M.

Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 P.M.

Please call if you need an appointment outside of these hours.

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Marriage Certificate Apostille Services In California

Marriage Certificate Apostille in California

If you need to use a U.S. marriage certificate overseas for visa applications, residency, marriage registration, or legal purposes, 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 and any additional federal or consular steps that apply.