What Is an Apostille (pronounced Ah-poh-steel)?
An Apostille is a special certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that confirms a public official’s signature and seal on a document are genuine.
👉 Important: An Apostille does not certify the content of the document—it only verifies that the signature and seal are officially recognized in California.
Who Issues Apostilles in California?
In California, only the Secretary of State can issue Apostilles. This applies to documents signed within California by:
California Notaries Public
County Clerks and Recorders
Court Administrators of the Superior Court
Judges of the Superior Court
State Officials and their deputies
Why You Might Need an Apostille
You may need an Apostille if you’re sending California documents for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Common examples include:
Birth, marriage, or death certificates
School transcripts or diplomas
Powers of attorney
Business contracts and authorizations
By obtaining an Apostille, your document will be accepted internationally in Hague member countries.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
Here’s a quick look at the process:
For Hague Countries
Document is notarized (if required).
Sent to the California Secretary of State.
Apostille is issued → document is ready for international use.
For Non-Hague Countries
Document is notarized (if required).
Sent to the California Secretary of State.
Authentication certificate issued.
Must then be sent to the U.S. Department of State and/or the foreign consulate/embassy for legalization.
Typical Processing Times
Mail to Secretary of State: 2–3 weeks (plus mailing time).
Walk-in at Secretary of State (Sacramento or Los Angeles): Same day to a few business days.
Non-Hague Countries: Longer, since consulate/embassy steps are required.
📌 Next Step
Please complete the intake form below so I can review your request and confirm the exact steps, costs, and timeline for your situation.