Apostille for Germany · California Documents
Apostille for Germany from California
Germany has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 — a California apostille is accepted for family reunion visas, blue card applications, marriage at the Standesamt, and citizenship filings.
Documents we apostille for Germany
Birth certificate
Required for family reunion visa and citizenship (Einbürgerung) filings with German authorities.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for marriage recognition at the German Standesamt and spousal visa applications.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for German long-term residence permits and naturalization.
Diploma & transcripts
For credential recognition through anabin database and the Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK/ZAB).
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property and legal matters before German notaries and courts.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for prior-marriage documentation in German civil registration and visa applications.
How the Germany apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and Germany-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.
- Germany routing. Germany has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since the Convention entered into force there on 13 February 1966 — one of the longest-standing member states. California apostilles are accepted by German Standesämter (civil registry offices), courts, notaries, and immigration authorities. Many German receiving offices also require a certified German translation alongside the apostilled document — worth confirming with the specific Standesamt or authority before you submit.
- Returned tracked. Documento apostillado devuelto por transportista con seguimiento y actualizaciones de estado.
Germany apostille — FAQ
Does Germany accept California apostilles?
Yes. Germany has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 and accepts apostilles from any other member, including the California Secretary of State.
Do I need apostilled documents for marriage at a German Standesamt?
Yes — foreign nationals typically need an apostilled birth certificate and a certificate of no impediment to marriage (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis or equivalent). In the U.S., the equivalent is often a notarized single-status affidavit apostilled by the California SOS. Your local Standesamt specifies the exact checklist.
Do I need a German translation for my apostilled California document?
Yes, in most proceedings. German authorities require documents in German. A beeidigter Übersetzer (sworn translator) certified by a German court or authority is typically required.
Can the California Secretary of State apostille an FBI background check for a German 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 Germany 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.