How to Get an Apostille in California
Submit a California-issued certified document or California-notarized document to the Secretary of State in Sacramento. Four steps — and the most common rejection causes, so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.
Four-Step California Apostille Process
Identify Your Document Type
California public records (birth, death, marriage, court), California-notarized documents, or federal documents — each routes differently. Only California-issued and California-notarized documents go to the California SOS. Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State OSCA.
Confirm the Destination Country
Hague Convention member countries accept an apostille. Non-Hague countries — UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Qatar — require embassy legalization instead. An apostille issued for a non-Hague country will be rejected. Confirm before filing.
Verify Document Format
Vital records require a certified copy from CDPH or the county recorder — photocopies are rejected on sight. Notarized documents must include correct California acknowledgement wording: venue line, commission expiration date, and notary seal.
File at the California Secretary of State
In-person at the Sacramento counter (1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor) for same-day processing. Mail-in follows current SOS posted timeframes. State fee: $20 per apostille + $6 per additional public-official signature. We handle the Sacramento trip.
California SOS Filing Locations
🏛️ Sacramento — Primary Counter
🏙️ Los Angeles — Regional Counter
3-Apostille Concierge Package
⭐ Signature Concierge — 3 Apostilles
Built for jure sanguinis dual citizenship applicants who need apostilles on birth, marriage, and death records for the U.S.-born ancestor in the lineage chain. All three handled end-to-end at the fastest service possible.
- Up to 3 apostilles — all-inclusive
- $45 Document Check on each (included)
- Same-day Sacramento courier filing
- All state fees included
- Tracked return shipping included
Most Common California Apostille Rejections
Wrong Notary Wording
California requires specific acknowledgement wording — venue line, commission expiration, and notary seal. Out-of-state or incomplete wording is rejected. Re-notarize on a California form before filing.
Photocopy Submitted
Vital records always require a certified copy from CDPH or the county recorder. A photocopy — regardless of quality — is rejected on sight without review.
Non-Hague Destination
An apostille issued for a non-Hague country (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam) won’t be accepted at the destination. Switch to embassy legalization before filing.
FBI Check at California SOS
The California SOS does not apostille federal documents. FBI Identity History Summary reports must go to the U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C.
California Apostille FAQ
1
How long does a California apostille take?
Same-day when eligibility and SOS capacity align — in-person at the Sacramento counter. Mail-in follows current SOS posted timeframes, typically 5–10 business days from the date of filing. Our Sacramento courier service files in-person so you get same-day results without making the drive.
2
How much does a California apostille cost?
The state fee is $20 per apostille + $6 per additional public-official signature on the document. Service fees: $175 standard mail-in · $200 notary + apostille · $550 same-day Sacramento courier. The $45 Document Check is credited toward your service fee. Full pricing →
3
Where do I file for a California apostille?
Primary: California Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. Regional: 300 South Spring Street, Room 12513, Los Angeles (walk-ins on published schedule, no cash). We file at Sacramento in-person on your behalf.
4
Can the California SOS apostille my FBI background check?
No. FBI Identity History Summary reports are federal documents and must go through the U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C. Filing with California SOS results in rejection. See the FBI background check apostille guide.
5
My document is going to a non-Hague country — what do I do?
An apostille will not be accepted by non-Hague countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, Qatar, and others. Those documents require U.S. Department of State authentication followed by embassy or consulate legalization. Call us to confirm the correct route for your destination country.
6
What California documents qualify for an apostille?
California-issued public records (birth, death, marriage certificates, court records) and California-notarized documents (affidavits, powers of attorney, diplomas with notarized acknowledgement). Photocopies and hospital souvenir certificates are rejected. Pre-2005 vital records may need an additional county certification step before SOS filing.