Apostille for China · California Documents
Apostille for China from California
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023 — a California apostille now replaces the former multi-step authentication chain for most submissions. Confirm acceptance with your receiving authority.
Documents we apostille for China
Birth certificate
For Chinese civil registration and spousal/family reunion visa applications with the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for recognition at Chinese Civil Affairs Bureau and consular registration.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for Chinese employment and residency permits.
Diploma & transcripts
For credential recognition at Chinese universities and professional licensing through the Ministry of Education.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for real estate transactions and legal representation before Chinese authorities.
Single-status declaration
Notarized affidavit apostilled for marriage registration at the Chinese Civil Affairs Bureau.
How the China apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and ready for the China route 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.
- China routing. The Apostille Convention entered into force for mainland China on 7 November 2023 — documents for use there now need only an apostille, not embassy/consular legalization. Hong Kong and Macao were already Hague members well before that date, so documents bound for those SARs have followed the apostille route all along. Confirm with your receiving authority — Civil Affairs Bureau, university, or employer — that the apostille route is accepted for your specific document type and destination (mainland vs. Hong Kong/Macao).
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
China apostille — FAQ
Does China accept California apostilles?
Yes, since November 7, 2023. China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on that date. Before then, California documents required a full authentication chain: California SOS → U.S. Dept of State → Chinese Embassy or Consulate. After November 7, 2023, a California apostille is the correct route — but confirm acceptance with your specific receiving authority, as implementation varies.
What was required before China joined the Hague Convention?
Before November 7, 2023, documents went through: (1) California Secretary of State certification, (2) U.S. Department of State authentication in Washington D.C., (3) Chinese Embassy or Consulate legalization. The Hague apostille replaced all three steps.
Do I need a Chinese translation for my apostilled California document?
Yes, in most cases. Chinese government agencies and courts require Chinese-language translations. Use a translation service accepted by your receiving authority — China does not maintain a national registry of sworn translators equivalent to other countries.
Can the California Secretary of State apostille an FBI background check for a Chinese visa?
No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., not California SOS. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route for FBI checks.
Status and requirements for China 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.