Apostille Services in California
California County Clerk Contact Resource List
Master Guide To Obtain an Apostille in California
Tifini Vega, Notary Public
DBA Detailed Notary
Master Guide To Obtain an Apostille in California
Navigating the apostille process in California can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance it becomes straightforward. Whether your documents are for personal, academic, or business use abroad, the California Secretary of State is the sole authority that issues apostilles for documents notarized or issued within the state.
This guide explains the steps, requirements, and options available to ensure your documents are authenticated correctly and accepted overseas.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Document
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Vital Records (birth, death, marriage certificates) must be apostilled in the state where they were issued.
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Notarized Documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, translations) can be apostilled in California if notarized here.
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Federal Documents (FBI background checks, IRS Form 6166, Social Security letters) bypass the state level and must be processed in Washington, D.C.
Step 2: Confirm the Destination Country
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Hague Convention Members: Apostille issued directly by the California Secretary of State.
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Non-Hague Countries: Require additional authentication through the U.S. Department of State and the foreign embassy or consulate.
Step 3: Choose Submission Method
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By Mail (Sacramento only): Requires original notarized or certified documents, cover sheet, $20 per document, and return envelope. (recent mail-in requests are taking approximately six to eight weeks for California Secretary to process)
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In Person (Sacramento or Los Angeles): Same-day service available. Fees are $20 per apostille plus a $6 special handling fee per official’s signature (in-person only).
Step 4: Special Notes for California
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Apostilles only certify signatures and seals, not document content.
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Documents may be in any language, but the notarial act must be in English.
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Apostilles are for international use only — not for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or Guam.
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Longest reported wait at the Los Angeles office: about 1.5 hours. Avoid post-holiday visits when lines are longest.
Additional Options – Professional Apostille Facilitation
While you can obtain an apostille directly from the California Secretary of State, many clients prefer a professional service to ensure the process is handled correctly the first time. That’s where I come in.
My Apostille Facilitation Includes:
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Bundled Services – I combine notarization, travel to your location (home, office, hospital, or even a coffee shop), and document review into one seamless package.
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Document Readiness Review – I carefully check that your documents meet apostille requirements before submission, helping avoid rejections or delays.
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Flexible Delivery Options:
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Rush Service: Local delivery of completed documents within 1 business day.
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Expedited Service: 3–5 business days. - Local delivery of completed documents
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Standard Service: 5–10 business days with domestic return shipping included.
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International Shipping Management – I can arrange overseas delivery through UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Shipping costs are quoted based on country and carrier, with a separate invoice provided.
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I carry $1 million in Errors & Omissions insurance for your peace of mind.
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I have completed two separate courses on the apostille process and stay current with California requirements.
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I maintain a nationwide network of notary apostille agents, so if you need vital records authenticated in another state, I can coordinate it for you.
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My goal is to make sure your documents are approved the first visit — saving you time, travel, and stress.
Why Choose My Services?
California County Clerk / Recorder Contact Links
Need Help Apostilling a Document in California?
I provide personal pickup, notarization, translation coordination, and submission to the appropriate department. Whether your document needs to go to the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State, I make the process seamless for you. For more information go to... Apostille Services
*Notaries Are Not Attorneys and Therefore Cannot Practice Legal Advice.
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