How to Get an Apostille in California
When to get an Apostille for Your U.S. Document
When you need to use or give a U.S. document to a different country, that country’s government or agency will usually require your U.S. document to be authenticated first. This is where an apostille comes in. An apostille is the certification that verifies the signature, seal, or title of the U.S. official that signed your document.
Types of Documents Commonly Apostilled
Personal or Vital Records
(Including Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Divorce Decrees, Single Status Affidavits, Name Change Documents, Adoption Papers, etc.)
Educational Records
(Including High School Diplomas, University Degrees, Transcripts, Enrollment or Graduation Letters, TEFL/TESOL Certificates, etc.)
Legal or Court-Issued Documents
(Including Power of Attorney, Court Judgments, Affidavits, Wills and Trusts, Criminal Background Checks, Consent to Travel Letters, etc.)
Business and Corporate Records
(Including Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, Corporate Resolutions, Business Agreements, Trademark or Patent Assignments, etc.)
Other Notarized or Self-Issued Documents
(Including Notarized Letters, Authorization Letters, Real Estate Deeds or Titles [notarized], and Medical Records [if notarized])
What Countries Accept Apostilled Documents?
Apostilled documents are only accepted by and between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. This international agreement streamlines the process of authenticating documents for use in other member countries. In short, the apostille certificate is the single standardized form of authentication that makes it significantly easier for citizens within those member countries to submit official documents abroad and overseas.
Today, over 125 countries accept apostilled documents, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, and the United Kingdom. If the country where you're sending your document is part of the Hague Convention, an apostille is usually all that’s needed. You can confirm if the country you need to send your document to accepts apostille certificates by viewing the full list of Hague Convention countries on the Hague Conference website, here.
You can verify whether your document qualifies for an apostille or submit a request directly to our office by completing the form below.
Not all countries accept apostilles. Major countries such as China (mainland), Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Thailand, Egypt, and Indonesia, are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. This means that these non-member countries do not accept an apostille certificate as a valid method of document authentication. Instead, documents must go through a more detailed consular legalization process, which involves multilevel steps of notarization (if applicable), authentication by the Secretary of State or certified copies, and final legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. You can read the step-by-step process of how to get legalization for a document not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, here.
The Apostille Process
Get your documents apostilled quickly and easily. Here’s the step-by-step:
1. Identify your document type
Determine whether you have or need your document to be a certified copy or a notarized original. Depending on the document, personal and business documents often need to be notarization first. Records from agencies usually need to be a certified copy.
2. Confirm the destination country
Is the destination country a member of Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 (You can check the Hague Conference website, here). If not, your documents must instead go through the consular legalization process, which you can read about here.
3. Submit your document and choose your turnaround time
You can mail us your document, or request an in-person pick up. If you document needs a notarization as well, we can get that done same-day (depending on your zip code). We’ll get your document apostilled by the Secretary of State based on the standard (6-7 days), rush (4-5 days), or emergency (1-3 days) timeframe you choose.
We take care of the entire process with the Secretary of State for you. Submit your document to our certified paralegal team, and we’ll handle the rest.
Why Choose a Paralegal for Apostille Services?
Unlike self proclaimed “apostille expert” services across the web—which, FYI requires NO formal certification, registration or license— or basic overnight notaries, we provide apostille services guided by certified paralegal expertise with legal document handling experience across state and federal agencies.
As certified paralegals, we understand the nuances of documents frequently submitted for apostille, including wills, powers of attorney, court orders, business records, name changes, academic transcripts, adoption-related paperwork, and more. We’re well-versed in the specific handling and preparation requirements for each. Proper formatting, certification procedures, and state-level submission standards ensures that your documents are thoroughly reviewed and processed in accordance with applicable government and agency guidelines before being submitted to the appropriate Secretary of State.
Get your apostille done today
If you're located in Northern California, Southern California, or a different state, our office can help. We offer standard, and rush apostille services, with the possibility of emergency turn around times for those in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino, San Diego, or Ventura County.
We handle the entire process from start to finish with the Secretary of State. Make sure your document is properly prepared for a successful apostille in order for to be legally recognized abroad. Click the button below to get started:
or, give us a call at (714) 248-6064
