California Apostille: Frequently Asked Questions

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature and official capacity of the person who signed or certified a public document, so it's accepted in countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. It doesn't verify the content of the document.

The California Secretary of State issues them for California public documents. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are handled by the U.S. Department of State.

If the destination country belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is enough. If it doesn't, you generally need an authentication certificate followed by legalization at that country's embassy or consulate. Tell us where the document will be used and we'll confirm which applies.

The total includes the California Secretary of State's government fee, our service fee, and notarization or shipping if needed. Costs vary by document and delivery method, so we quote the full amount up front after a free document review.

It depends on the government's current processing time, the document type, and shipping. Contact us for a current estimate for your document.

Private documents, such as powers of attorney and affidavits, must be notarized before an apostille. Government-issued documents, such as birth certificates, are generally certified by the issuing official instead. Please don't notarize anything until you've checked with us.

No. A California notary cannot certify a copy of a vital record. You need an official certified copy issued by the proper California authority.

No. We work with California-issued and California-notarized documents. Other states' documents are apostilled by that state's Secretary of State.

Yes, for California-issued documents. We accept documents by mail or courier and return them internationally.

The apostille proves the signature is authentic, but the receiving office decides whether the document meets its own rules. Some also want translations or recently issued copies. We flag likely issues during your review.

Yes. The signer must appear in person and show valid photo identification. A notary cannot notarize for someone who isn't there. Schedule with Gale Ranch Notary →

Use our secure form on the Contact page. Please don't email full ID numbers or payment details.

No. We prepare and submit documents. For legal questions, please speak with a licensed attorney.