Apostille Services for California Documents

Getting a California document accepted abroad depends on the document type, who issued or signed it, and where it will be used. We handle the full process for California-issued documents so it's done correctly the first time.

Please note: We work with documents issued or notarized in California. Documents from other states are apostilled by that state's Secretary of State. If your document came from elsewhere, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

What We Do

  • Document review. We check eligibility, document type, and the destination country's requirements.
  • Notarization. When your document requires it, notarization is available through our sister service, Gale Ranch Notary.
  • Submission. We file with the California Secretary of State.
  • Legalization guidance. For countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, we explain the embassy or consulate step.
  • Return delivery. Pickup, domestic shipping, or international courier.

Documents We Handle

Birth, marriage, and death certificates

Must be an official certified copy from the issuing authority. A photocopy, or a copy made by a notary, is not accepted.

Power of attorney and affidavits

Must be signed before a California notary using the correct notarial certificate.

Diplomas and transcripts

The route depends on who issued and signed the document. We tell you before you order anything.

Business documents

Company documents signed by officers are usually notarized. Certificates from state offices follow a different path.

Court documents

Eligible when properly certified by the issuing court.

Federal Documents Follow a Different Route

FBI background checks and other federal documents are not apostilled by California. They are handled by the U.S. Department of State.

We do not process federal documents, but we can point you in the right direction.

Cost

  • Government fee, charged by the California Secretary of State for each document
  • Our service fee, which covers document review, preparation, submission, and return
  • Notarization, if your document requires it (quoted separately by Gale Ranch Notary)
  • Shipping or courier, based on the delivery method you choose

We show the government fee separately from our service fee and give you the full total before we start.

How Long Does It Take?

Timing depends on document readiness, the government's current processing time, and shipping. Government times change often, so we give you a current estimate when you contact us.

Common Reasons Apostilles Are Delayed or Rejected

  • Submitting a photocopy instead of a certified copy
  • Notarizing a document that should not be notarized
  • The wrong notarial certificate wording
  • A missing signature, date, or seal
  • A destination that requires legalization, not an apostille

A quick review before submission prevents most of these.

Request an Apostille Quote

Tell us about your documents and we'll confirm requirements and turnaround. Fast, reliable service in San Ramon, CA.

Get Started

Get Your California Apostille Today

Ready to authenticate your California documents? Contact us below to get started.

Need a faster response? Call or text us at +1 (925) 322-3131