Guide to California Apostille Service

Are you planning to work, study, or live abroad? If so, you need to get some of your personal documents authenticated. You may need to authenticate your educational records, employment-related papers, and other legal documents. Authentication involves verifying the validity of your documents, and this process is done through apostille service. In this guide, we will discuss what apostille is and how you can get this service in California.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille is a type of authentication that verifies a document’s legitimacy to be recognized in another country. It’s a certificate that bears the seal and signature of the Secretary of State in California. An apostille is attached to a document, which makes it universally valid. It means that the document is genuine, and it can be accepted in countries that are a part of The Hague Convention.

California Apostille Service

The California Secretary of State offers an apostille service to citizens who need to authenticate their documents. The California authentication certificate is granted for public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal papers. The processing fee for apostille service in California is $20 per document. You can get the apostille service through mail, in-person, or expedited service.

Expedited Apostille Service in California

An expedited apostille service is an option for individuals who need their documents authenticated as soon as possible. This service usually takes around two to three days, compared to the regular processing time of up to two weeks. The expedited service costs $6 per document, in addition to the $20 processing fee for each document.

How to Get an Apostille in California

Getting an apostille in California is an easy process, and you can do it through the mail, in person, or through expedited service. Here are the steps that you need to follow to get your documents authenticated:

• Fill out the apostille request form on the California Secretary of State’s website.
• Make a copy of the document you want to be authenticated.
• Pay the required fee for the apostille service.
• Mail or deliver your documents and payment to the California Secretary of State’s office.
• Pick up your document after it has been authenticated.

California apostille service is an essential service for anyone planning to work or study abroad. It’s crucial to have all your documents authenticated to avoid unnecessary delays, inconvenience, and potential legal issues. The process of getting an apostille in California is simple and straightforward. You can do it through mail, in-person, or expedited service, depending on your preference and urgency. With this guide, you now have the knowledge and tools to get your documents authenticated quickly and efficiently.