If you have a California or U.S. document that will be used in Vietnam, the authentication process has changed. On September 11, 2026, the Hague Apostille Convention entered into force for Vietnam. For covered public documents exchanged between the United States and Vietnam, an apostille generally replaces the longer consular legalization process that was previously required. This is an important change for individuals, families, students and businesses submitting U.S. docume

If your study abroad documents originate in California, the preparation rules depend on the document type. Certified California vital records follow one path. School records, registrar letters, notarized affidavits, parental consent forms, and powers of attorney may follow another. The California Secretary of State will not treat every paper in a study abroad packet the same way.

Need an apostille for a California document going to Italy? Learn how to handle records, powers of attorney, and translation requirements, with a real example of an Italy-bound document packet.

What is an apostille and what does it mean? Learn how an apostille authenticates a public official's signature, seal, or official capacity for international use, when one may be required, and how it differs from notarization and embassy legalization.