California Apostille Service

When do you need an Apostille?

An Apostille is typically required when: taking documents to Mexican, Colombian, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, Peruvian, Ecuadorian, Dominican, Argentine, Chilean, Brazilian consulates for procedures; applying for dual citizenship; marrying in another country (single status certificate); adopting internationally; going to live or work abroad and asked for background; taking a minor travel authorization letter to Latin America; needing to validate a university degree abroad; or carrying a power of attorney for use in another country. The Apostille is what makes your California document recognized internationally.

What does our service include?

• ✓Detailed apostille instructions letter
• ✓Required documents checklist
• ✓Pre-filled California Secretary of State forms
• ✓Prepaid envelope with addresses
• ✓Payment instructions to Secretary of State ($20)
• ✓Bilingual English/Spanish
• ✓Processing time guide

How it works in California

The Apostille in California is processed at two offices: Los Angeles (300 South Spring St, Suite 12513) or Sacramento (1500 11th Street). By mail it takes 3-5 weeks; in person, same day (with appointment). Cost: $20 per document. The Secretary of State only apostilles the signature of the NOTARY PUBLIC or state officer — does not apostille the content. Therefore, your document must FIRST be notarized or certified by an authorized officer. OUR service helps you have everything correct before sending.

How to prepare a document for California Apostille

1. 1. Verify destination country is Hague Convention memberApostille only applies between member countries (Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, etc. — 120+ countries). If country is NOT member (Canada, China, Vietnam), you need Consular Legalization instead of Apostille.
2. 2. Identify what type of documentPublic document (Birth, marriage, divorce certificate from County Recorder): goes DIRECTLY to Apostille. Private document (Power of Attorney, signed contract): first requires notarization by California notary.
3. 3. If private, notarize firstCalifornia notary public on each signature. Notary issues Acknowledgment or Jurat. Without this layer, Apostille rejects.
4. 4. Verify notary commissionThe California Secretary of State only Apostilles documents notarized by a CALIFORNIA notary with active commission. Notary from another state: would need to process there.
5. 5. Draft the Cover Letter (Apostille Letter)Document that WRAPS your material to apostille. Identifies: requester, document(s), destination country, return address. This is what our service prepares ($79).
6. 6. Mail to California Secretary of StateMail (don't present in person, appointments are months out): California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, P.O. Box 942877, Sacramento, CA 94277-0001. Money order $20 per document. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.
7. 7. Translate to destination languageMany countries receive Apostille in English but need notarized translation of underlying document. Certified translator + notarization + sometimes the translation must also be apostilled.

Common Apostille mistakes

• ⚠Notarizing in another state and sending to CaliforniaCalifornia only apostilles ITS OWN notary. If your Power of Attorney was notarized in Nevada, it must go to Nevada Secretary of State, not California.
• ⚠Sending document without paymentCalifornia requires $20 money order per document (does NOT accept personal check or cash). Without payment, they reject and return without Apostille.
• ⚠Not verifying Hague member countryIf you send to NON-member country, the Apostille is worthless — you will have to get Consular Legalization instead, different process. Official list: hcch.net
• ⚠Document untranslated to destination languageApostille certifies the notary signature, does NOT translate. If destination country speaks Spanish/Portuguese/etc., you need certified translation of content.
• ⚠Timeline too tightMail: 2-4 weeks California + shipping time to destination country + notarization time on translation = total 4-8 weeks. Plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other documents in this category

• General Power of AttorneyBroad financial authority for your agent.View details →
• Limited Power of AttorneyAuthority for ONE specific task.View details →
• Revocation of Power of AttorneyCancel a previously granted POA.View details →
• Authorization LetterAuthorize someone to act on your behalf.View details →
• Minor Travel AuthorizationPermission for a minor to travel without you.View details →

You might also need

• Living TrustAvoid probate and protect your assets.View details →
• Simple WillBasic distribution of your assets.View details →