Apostille Services in California
California apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State, from offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles. The process is comparatively straightforward — no county-clerk intermediate step for most documents — but California has one trap that catches people repeatedly, and it is at the very start of the process.
We handle California apostilles at $195 per document, taking about five business days, and can pair them with certified translation.
Filing details for California
- Apostille authority
- California Secretary of State
- State court system
- Superior Court of California
We serve California remotely from our office in Edgewater, New Jersey.
Authorized versus informational copies
California issues two types of vital record copy. An authorized certified copy establishes identity and is restricted to people entitled to request it. An informational copy is available to anyone and carries a legend across the face stating that it is not a valid document to establish identity.
The Secretary of State will not apostille an informational copy, and no foreign authority will accept one. Because informational copies are easier and faster to obtain, people order them, pay for translation and apostille service, and then have to start over.
Check the face of your document before ordering anything. If it carries that legend, request an authorized copy from the county recorder or the California Department of Public Health first.
County recorders and the state office
California vital records are issued by the county recorder in the county of the event, or centrally by the California Department of Public Health. Both issue authorized certified copies that the Secretary of State will apostille.
Notarized documents — diplomas, powers of attorney, translator certificates — go to the Secretary of State once notarized by a California notary. Some counties offer county-level authentication, but the state office is the apostille authority.
مدة التسليم
Apostille processing 5 business days
Price
$195 per document, about 5 business days. Details
اللغات
100+ languages. See all
الأسئلة الشائعة
Will California apostille an informational copy?
No. Informational copies carry a legend stating they cannot establish identity and are refused. You need an authorized certified copy.
Where do I get an authorized copy?
The county recorder in the county where the event occurred, or the California Department of Public Health.
How long does a California apostille take?
About five business days through us, at $195 per document.
Do I need a translation as well?
Only if the receiving authority reads a different language. Send us their requirements and we will confirm what is actually needed.
Document translation for California
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