Your Ultimate Guide to Getting a California Apostille

An apostille is a certification that validates the authenticity of a document to be used outside the United States. In California, the Secretary of State’s office handles this process for official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts.

Getting an apostille may seem complicated, but with the right information and help from a professional service, the process can be straightforward. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a California apostille, including some common questions and the cost.

What is an apostille and what types of documents need one?

An apostille is a certification that confirms the authenticity of a document to be used outside the United States. Documents that may require an apostille in California include birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, and notarized documents.

What is the California authentication process?

The Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento is responsible for authenticating documents in California. This involves verifying that the document in question is issued by an approved source and bears the correct seal. The process can take up to 12 weeks, but it can be expedited to 1-2 business days for an additional fee.

How do I get an apostille in California?

You can obtain an apostille from the Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento by mail or in person. For an expedited service, you can use a professional service provider. Here are the steps to follow:

Obtain a certified copy of your document
Fill up a request form and pay the required fee
Mail or personally deliver your document to the Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento
If by mail, include a self-addressed prepaid envelope for the return of your authenticated document

How much does an apostille in California cost?

The fee for getting an apostille in California is $26 per certificate. The expedited service carries an additional fee of $30 per document. Professional service providers may also charge a service fee for their assistance.

Getting an apostille in California can seem daunting, but with proper guidance and knowledge, it can be a simple process. Remember to obtain a certified copy of your document, fill out the request form correctly, and pay the required fees.

If you need an apostille in California, using a professional service provider can save you time and stress. They can help you ensure that your documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. By getting an apostille, you can ensure that your official documents will have the legal recognition necessary to be used abroad.