Birth certificate apostilles are commonly requested when a certified U.S. birth certificate will be used in another country for dual citizenship, marriage registration, immigration, residency, passport applications, or legal matters abroad. If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document may be eligible for an apostille through the California Secretary of State.

Common examples include Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, Portugal, and many other Hague Convention countries. If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, the birth certificate may require additional authentication and embassy or consulate legalization before it can be accepted internationally.

The birth certificate must be a certified copy issued by the appropriate state or county vital records office. Photocopies and unofficial copies are not accepted for apostille or authentication processing.

California Birth Certificate Apostille Requirements

A California birth certificate apostille is only available for eligible certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency. Before submitting a document for apostille processing, it is important to verify that the birth certificate meets California Secretary of State requirements.

Certified Copies of Birth Certificates
The California Secretary of State requires a certified copy of the birth certificate issued by the appropriate government agency. Photocopies, scans, hospital souvenir certificates, and unofficial records are not eligible for apostille processing.
If you are unsure whether your birth certificate qualifies, I offer document review before submission to help prevent delays or rejections.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Records
Birth certificates issued through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office are commonly used for apostille processing. The document must contain the signature of an authorized public official whose signature can be verified by the California Secretary of State.
Many clients obtain certified copies directly from CDPH before beginning the apostille process.
Obtain California vital records here

County-Issued Birth Certificates
Certified birth certificates issued by a California County Recorder or County Clerk-Recorder may also qualify for apostille processing when they contain the proper certification and official signature.
Examples include certified copies issued by counties such as San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, San Francisco County, and other California counties.

Birth Certificates Issued Outside California
If your birth certificate was issued in another state, the apostille must be obtained from the Secretary of State in the state where the birth certificate originated. California cannot issue an apostille for a birth certificate issued by another state.
If you have an out-of-state birth certificate, I may be able to help coordinate processing through my nationwide apostille network.

Apostilles for Hague Convention Countries
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document will generally require an apostille. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the public official's signature so the document can be recognized in another Hague Convention country.
Common examples include Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, and many other participating countries.

Authentication and Embassy Legalization for Non-Hague Countries
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document may require authentication and embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille.

Depending on the destination country and document type, additional steps may include California Secretary of State authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, embassy legalization, and certified translation services. Requirements vary by country and receiving authority.

For this reason, I recommend confirming document requirements before submission whenever possible.

California Birth Certificate Apostille Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apostille a birth certificate in California?

To apostille a California birth certificate, you need an eligible certified copy issued by a California County Clerk, County Recorder, or the California Department of Public Health. The certificate must bear the signature of a public official whose signature can be authenticated by the California Secretary of State.

​

The process is: (1) obtain an eligible certified copy, (2) submit the original certified document to the California Secretary of State with the required fees, and (3) receive the birth certificate with the apostille attached.

​

I handle the document review, in-person submission, and return shipping for you. Start by sending me a clear photo or scan so I can review the issuing agency and public official’s signature before you mail the original.

Where can I get a birth certificate apostille?

An apostille for a California birth certificate can only be issued by the California Secretary of State - not by a notary, county office, or the U.S. Department of State. You can mail your document to the Secretary of State yourself, or use an apostille service like mine that submits documents in person. Because everything is handled by mail and courier, you can be located anywhere in the world.

Can you help if I don't live in California — or live outside the United States?

Yes. Because eligibility depends on where the birth certificate was issued, not where you live, I regularly work with clients across the U.S. and abroad. You mail me the eligible certified document (or have the county send it directly to me), and I return the completed apostilled birth certificate by tracked FedEx or DHL shipping worldwide.

Do I need a certified translation of my apostilled birth certificate?

Translation requirements are set by the destination country or receiving authority. When one is required, I can coordinate certified translation in more than 130 languages. The apostille is completed first so the entire apostilled document can be translated together, unless the receiving authority instructs otherwise.

Can I drop off or pick up my documents in person?