How to Apostille Documents for Use in France (California Guide)

If you need to use a U.S. document in France, it must be authenticated with an apostille. Because both the United States and France are members of the Hague Convention, an apostille issued by the California Secretary of State verifies the authenticity of signatures and seals so your documents are legally accepted in France.

Whether your documents are for French citizenship, marriage, education, inheritance matters, or business use, this guide explains how the apostille process works in California — and how I can help ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

California apostille attached to a document

Apostille for France: Documents Commonly Required

Personal & Legal Documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Name change documents

• Powers of Attorney

Citizenship & Immigration Documents

• French citizenship or residency paperwork

• Naturalization records

• Civil registry documents

Educational Documents

• Diplomas

• Transcripts

• Enrollment letters

• Degree verification documents

Business & Corporate Documents

• Articles of Incorporation

• Certificates of Good Standing

• Corporate resolutions

• Employment or assignment letters

How to Apostille Documents for France in California

1. Confirm the document type

• Vital records must be certified copies from the County Recorder or CDPH

• Notarized documents must include correct California notarial wording

• School documents must be certified by the registrar and notarized

• Corporate documents must be signed by an authorized representative and notarized

2. Apostille submission

The California Secretary of State verifies the signature, notary commission, and seal before issuing the apostille certificate.

3. Ready for use in France

Once apostilled, your document is legally valid in France. No French consulate or embassy visit is required.

Common Mistakes When Apostilling for France

• Using outdated or unofficial vital records

• Missing required California notarial wording

• Using UPS Store notarizations (frequently rejected)

• Notarizing documents that should not be notarized

• Submitting documents to the wrong state

• Removing staples (this voids the apostille)

I review all documents before submission to prevent delays or rejections.

Apostille Services in the Bay Area

I provide apostille services for documents being used in France throughout the Bay Area, including document review, mobile notarization, and submission to the California Secretary of State.

Apostille Services in Mountain View, CA

Apostille Services in Sunnyvale, CA

Apostille Services in South San Francisco, CA

My Apostille Facilitation Service for France

I assist with document review, notarization when required, California Secretary of State apostille processing, and secure return delivery.

If you’re on a deadline or want to ensure your documents are accepted in France without issues, I’m here to help.

Call or text: (650) 554-0089

Website: https://www.detailednotary.net

Additional Apostille Resources

For a general overview of California apostille requirements and how certified copies of vital records are obtained, see my California Apostille Services guide.