To get an apostille for a California document, the document must carry the signature of a California public official, such as a California notary public or a county clerk. You then submit it to the California Secretary of State, in person or by mail, with the apostille request form and fee. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State instead. SD Fast Notary can notarize your document and help with the submission.
Last updated October 6, 2026 · Written by SD Fast Notary, a California commissioned mobile notary in San Diego
Step 1: Check whether you need an apostille
Apostilles are used for countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention, which includes Mexico, most of Europe, India, Japan, South Korea, and, more recently, China and Canada. Countries outside the convention usually need authentication plus embassy or consulate legalization instead. Always confirm with whoever will receive your document.
Step 2: Get the right kind of document
- Private documents (power of attorney, affidavit, consent letter, contract): sign in front of a California notary, who attaches a California notarial certificate.
- Vital records (birth, marriage, death): use a certified copy from the county or California Department of Public Health. A notary cannot certify a copy of a vital record.
- School records and diplomas: usually handled through a notarized copy affidavit by the school registrar or by you, depending on what the receiving country accepts.
- Federal documents (FBI background check, federal certificates): go to the U.S. Department of State, not California.
Step 3: Submit to the California Secretary of State
Complete the Secretary of State's apostille request, include the fee for each apostille, and submit in person or by mail. Fees, office locations, and processing times change, so check sos.ca.gov for current details or ask us.
Step 4: Send your document abroad
The apostille is attached to your document. Don't remove the staple or separate the pages, because that can invalidate it.
How SD Fast Notary helps
We notarize your document correctly with a California certificate, check it against Secretary of State requirements, and can help you prepare and submit the request. See our apostille service.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a California apostille take?
It depends on the Secretary of State's current processing time and whether you submit in person or by mail. In-person service is generally faster. Ask us for current timelines.
Can any notary's signature be apostilled?
The California Secretary of State apostilles signatures of California notaries with a valid commission on file. A document notarized in another state must be apostilled by that state.
Can I get an apostille on a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. You need a certified copy issued by the county recorder or California Department of Public Health. A notary cannot certify a copy of a birth certificate in California.
Do I need an apostille for Mexico?
Mexico is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents from California going to Mexico generally need an apostille. Confirm with the Mexican agency or notario receiving them.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. A California notary public who is not an attorney cannot give legal advice or choose a document for you.