Apostille for France · California Documents
Apostille for France from California
France has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 — one of the original signatories. A California apostille is accepted for immigration, marriage, legal proceedings, and academic filings.
Documents we apostille for France
Birth certificate
Required for long-stay visa applications and marriage filings at a French mairie (city hall).
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for recognition of California marriages in French civil records and for immigration spousal filings.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for certain French long-stay visa categories.
Diploma & transcripts
For university enrollment and professional credential recognition by French academic institutions.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property and legal matters before French authorities.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for prior-marriage documentation in French civil registration and visa applications.
How the France apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and France-ready before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- France routing. France has been a Hague member since 1965. California apostilles are accepted by French mairies, consulates, courts, and universities.
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
France apostille — FAQ
Does France accept California apostilles?
Yes. France has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 — one of the original signatories — and accepts apostilles from any other member, including the California Secretary of State.
Do I need a French translation of my apostilled California document?
In most official proceedings, yes. French courts, mairies, and government agencies typically require documents in French. A certified French translator is generally required; no national sworn-translator registry applies for foreign documents.
Do I need apostilled documents to get married in France?
Yes — a non-French citizen typically needs an apostilled birth certificate and a certificate of celibacy (acte de coutume or certificat de célibat), which is a notarized affidavit that may also require an apostille. Your mairie will specify the exact checklist.
Can the California Secretary of State apostille an FBI background check for a French visa?
No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route for FBI.
Status and requirements for France verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.
Related routes & tools
Document Check — $45
Credited 100% to your apostille service.
Pricing & state fees
$20 + $6 SOS fees and service ranges.
How it works
The full California apostille process.
Processing times
Direct from SOS published timelines.
Same-day filing
In-person Sacramento counter.
Apostille by mail
When timing is flexible.
Sacramento SOS counter
Address, hours, payment, walk-in.
Which documents qualify
Eligible California document types.
Birth certificate
Most common citizenship document.
Marriage certificate
For spousal and civil filings.
Diploma & transcripts
Credential recognition abroad.
Power of attorney
Property and legal matters abroad.
Federal / FBI route
U.S. Dept of State authentication.
Non-Hague legalization
Consular route when apostille won’t work.
All countries
Destination routing hub.
Apostille guide
The full pillar overview.
Talk to a specialist
Phone, email, form.