{"id":1971,"date":"2026-01-31T08:57:33","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T08:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/?page_id=1971"},"modified":"2026-07-24T14:31:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:31:36","slug":"california-apostille-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/california-apostille-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"California Apostille FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/california-apostille-faq\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/california-apostille-faq\/\",\n      \"name\": \"California Apostille FAQ\",\n      \"isPartOf\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/#website\"\n      },\n      \"about\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/#legalservice\"\n      },\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\n      \"speakable\": {\n        \"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\",\n        \"cssSelector\": [\n          \"#direct-answer\"\n        ]\n      },\n      \"breadcrumb\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/california-apostille-faq\/#breadcrumb\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How long does California apostille processing take?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Standard California Secretary of State mail-in processing takes 5\u20137 business days from the date we file. SOS workload can extend this. In-person Sacramento filing is faster when eligible. Same-day service is available through our Sacramento courier at $380.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does a California apostille certificate expire?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"The apostille certificate itself does not expire. However, some destination authorities require recently issued source documents \u2014 especially vital records. Confirm the destination country's document-age requirements before ordering a new certified copy.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the difference between an apostille and authentication?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"A California apostille is for documents going to Hague Convention member countries, issued by the California Secretary of State. Authentication and embassy legalization is for non-Hague countries like the UAE and Qatar, handled by the U.S. Department of State then the destination embassy. The two routes are not interchangeable.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How much does a California apostille cost?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Standard mail-in apostille starts at $175 per document. Same-day Sacramento is $380 (notary included). Door-to-door San Francisco is $425 (notary included). Notary plus apostille (mail-in) is $245. The $45 Document Check verifies eligibility before you send originals and is credited toward your service.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the $45 Document Check?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"A pre-flight review before you commit to service. We verify document type, issuing authority, certification format, destination country requirements, and correct routing. If anything would cause a rejection, we catch it here. The $45 is credited toward your apostille fee.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What causes California apostille rejections?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"The most common causes are: wrong format such as a photocopy instead of a certified original, incomplete notarial wording, unclear registrar or notary signatures, missing county certification for pre-2005 vital records, and incorrect routing such as sending a federal document to the California SOS.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Which documents go through California SOS versus federal OSCA?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"California-issued documents \u2014 birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, court records, notarized documents, and diplomas \u2014 go through the California Secretary of State. Federal documents \u2014 FBI Identity History Summaries, federal court orders, and other federally-issued papers \u2014 must go through the U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can the California SOS apostille my FBI background check?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. FBI Identity History Summary reports are federal documents issued by the FBI CJIS Division and must be authenticated through the U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C., not the California Secretary of State. Filing with the wrong authority results in rejection.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I apostille a California birth certificate?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes, with a certified copy from CDPH or the county recorder. Hospital souvenir certificates and photocopies are rejected. Pre-2005 certificates may need an extra county certification step.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does my diploma need notarization before apostille?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"In most cases, yes. Diplomas are private documents \u2014 a California notary must notarize your acknowledgment before the SOS will accept them. Official transcripts with a registrar's original seal may qualify for direct apostille without notarization.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I use a photocopy for an apostille?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. Whether it is a vital record, court record, diploma, or notarized document, the California SOS requires a certified original or properly notarized version. Ordinary photocopies are rejected without review.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is same-day apostille really available?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes, for California SOS apostilles when the SOS allows in-person filing that day. We courier to Sacramento and file same-day received. Same-day service is $380. Not available for federal documents since OSCA processing cannot be expedited the same way.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 1,\n          \"name\": \"Home\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/\"\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n          \"position\": 2,\n          \"name\": \"California Apostille FAQ\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/california-apostille-faq\/\"\n        }\n      ],\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/california-apostille-faq\/#breadcrumb\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<style>\n@import url('https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Fraunces:opsz,wght@9..144,600;9..144,700;9..144,800;9..144,900&family=Inter:wght@400;600;700;800;900&display=swap');\n\n.asf-faq-page {\n  --gold:#D4AF37;--gold-rich:#E6BE3F;--gold-light:#F4D77A;--gold-dark:#B8860B;\n  --green:#22C55E;--green-dark:#059669;\n  --bg-0:#0C0C0C;--bg-1:#090909;--bg-2:#060606;\n  --sheen:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% -10%,rgba(212,175,55,.13) 0%,rgba(212,175,55,0) 65%);\n  --goldtxt:linear-gradient(110deg,#B8860B 0%,#D4AF37 10%,#F4D77A 26%,#FFF6D0 42%,#F4D77A 50%,#FFF6D0 54%,#F4D77A 60%,#D4AF37 76%,#B8860B 90%,#D4AF37 96%,#B8860B 100%);\n  max-width:1100px;\n  margin:80px auto 40px;\n  padding:0 0 40px;\n  background:var(--sheen),linear-gradient(180deg,var(--bg-0) 0%,var(--bg-1) 40%,var(--bg-2) 100%);\n  border:3px solid var(--gold);\n  border-radius:32px;\n  box-shadow:0 42px 110px rgba(0,0,0,.65),0 0 0 1px rgba(212,175,55,.08);\n  font-family:'Inter',system-ui,sans-serif;\n  color:#fff;\n  box-sizing:border-box;\n  overflow:visible;\n  position:relative;\n}\n.asf-faq-page *,.asf-faq-page *::before,.asf-faq-page *::after{box-sizing:border-box}\n.asf-faq-page a{color:var(--gold-light);text-decoration:none;font-weight:700}\n.asf-faq-page a:hover{text-decoration:underline}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 KEYFRAMES \u2500\u2500 *\/\n@keyframes faq-shine{0%,100%{background-position:0% 50%}50%{background-position:100% 50%}}\n@keyframes faq-rule{0%{background-position:-200% center}100%{background-position:200% center}}\n@keyframes faq-pulse{0%{box-shadow:0 0 0 0 rgba(16,185,129,.6)}70%{box-shadow:0 0 0 12px transparent}100%{box-shadow:0 0 0 0 transparent}}\n@keyframes faq-logo-float{0%,100%{transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(0)}50%{transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(-6px)}}\n@keyframes faq-border{0%,100%{border-color:#D4AF37}50%{border-color:#F4D77A}}\n@keyframes faq-open-glow{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(-6px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 FLOAT LOGO \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-logo{\n  position:absolute;left:50%;top:-62px;transform:translateX(-50%);\n  width:124px;height:124px;border-radius:50%;background:#000;\n  border:4px solid var(--gold);\n  box-shadow:0 12px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.7),0 0 0 4px rgba(212,175,55,.25),0 0 32px rgba(244,215,122,.4);\n  overflow:hidden;z-index:5;animation:faq-logo-float 4s ease-in-out infinite;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-logo img{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 BREADCRUMB \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-crumbs{\n  font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.06em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.55);\n  text-align:center;padding-top:76px;margin-bottom:10px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-crumbs a{color:var(--gold-rich);font-weight:700}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 H1 CARD \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-hero{\n  text-align:center;padding:0 16px;margin-bottom:28px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-hero-inner{\n  display:inline-block;width:100%;max-width:920px;\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(18,18,18,.9) 0%,rgba(8,8,8,.95) 100%);\n  border:2px solid var(--gold-dark);border-radius:26px;\n  padding:26px 28px;\n  box-shadow:0 10px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.4),0 28px 70px rgba(0,0,0,.55),inset 0 1px 0 rgba(212,175,55,.18);\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-kicker{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;\n  font-size:11px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:.28em;text-transform:uppercase;\n  margin-bottom:16px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-kicker .kr{\n  display:inline-block;width:44px;height:1.5px;\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--gold-dark),var(--gold),var(--gold-light),var(--gold),var(--gold-dark),transparent);\n  background-size:200% auto;animation:faq-rule 2.6s linear infinite;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-kicker .kt{\n  background:var(--goldtxt);background-size:260% 100%;\n  -webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;\n  animation:faq-shine 7s ease-in-out infinite;\n}\n.asf-faq-page h1{\n  margin:0;font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,serif;\n  font-size:clamp(34px,5vw,54px);font-weight:800;line-height:1.06;letter-spacing:-.02em;\n  background:var(--goldtxt);background-size:260% 100%;\n  -webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;\n  animation:faq-shine 9s ease-in-out infinite;\n  filter:drop-shadow(0 2px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.6));\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-sub{\n  margin:12px auto 0;font-size:14.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\n  line-height:1.65;max-width:680px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-rating{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.45);padding:8px 18px;border-radius:999px;\n  margin:14px auto 0;border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.3);\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-rating .dot{width:8px;height:8px;background:var(--green);border-radius:50%;animation:faq-pulse 1.8s ease-out infinite}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-rating .st{color:#F4D584;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:1.5px}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-rating .tx{font-size:12px;font-weight:800;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 CTAs \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-ctas{\n  display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;margin:0 16px 32px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .btn-call{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:16px 34px;\n  font-weight:900;font-size:15px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:.03em;\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#34D399 0%,#10B981 20%,#059669 50%,#047857 75%,#065F46 100%);\n  border:2px solid #34D399;border-radius:16px;\n  box-shadow:0 6px 0 #065F46,0 8px 20px rgba(5,150,105,.5),inset 0 2px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.4);\n  transition:transform .18s,box-shadow .18s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .btn-call:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:0 9px 0 #065F46,0 12px 28px rgba(5,150,105,.55),inset 0 2px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.45);text-decoration:none}\n.asf-faq-page .btn-ghost{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:15px 30px;\n  font-weight:900;font-size:15px;color:var(--gold-light);text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:.03em;\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.5);border:2px solid var(--gold);border-radius:12px;\n  transition:transform .18s,background .18s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .btn-ghost:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);background:rgba(20,20,20,.7);border-color:var(--gold-light);text-decoration:none}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 SECTION LABEL \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-section-label{\n  display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;margin:0 20px 20px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-section-label::before,\n.asf-faq-page .faq-section-label::after{\n  content:'';flex:1;height:1px;\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(212,175,55,0),rgba(212,175,55,.5),rgba(212,175,55,0));\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-section-label span{\n  font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-size:11px;font-weight:900;\n  letter-spacing:.22em;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\n  background:var(--goldtxt);background-size:260% 100%;\n  -webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;\n  animation:faq-shine 8s ease-in-out infinite;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 ACCORDION WRAP \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .acc-wrap{\n  margin:0 16px 32px;\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.2);\n  border-radius:20px;\n  overflow:hidden;\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 ACCORDION ITEM \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item{\n  border-bottom:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.12);\n  position:relative;\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item:last-child{border-bottom:none}\n\n\/* gold left-bar indicator *\/\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item::before{\n  content:'';position:absolute;left:0;top:0;bottom:0;width:3px;\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(212,175,55,0),rgba(212,175,55,.25),rgba(212,175,55,0));\n  transition:background .3s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open]::before{\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(212,175,55,.1),var(--gold),rgba(212,175,55,.1));\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 SUMMARY (QUESTION) \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item summary{\n  display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;\n  padding:20px 22px 20px 28px;\n  cursor:pointer;list-style:none;user-select:none;\n  transition:background .2s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open] summary{\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(212,175,55,.07) 0%,rgba(212,175,55,.02) 100%);\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item summary:hover{\n  background:rgba(212,175,55,.05);\n}\n\n\/* question number badge *\/\n.asf-faq-page .acc-num{\n  flex-shrink:0;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;\n  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a1a1a,#0a0a0a);\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.35);\n  font-family:'Fraunces',serif;font-weight:800;font-size:13px;\n  color:rgba(212,175,55,.7);\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n  transition:border-color .3s,color .3s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open] .acc-num{\n  border-color:var(--gold);color:var(--gold-light);\n  box-shadow:0 0 12px rgba(212,175,55,.3);\n}\n\n\/* question text *\/\n.asf-faq-page .acc-q{\n  flex:1;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:rgba(255,255,255,.92);\n  line-height:1.4;text-align:left;transition:color .2s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open] .acc-q{\n  color:#fff;\n}\n\n\/* chevron *\/\n.asf-faq-page .acc-chevron{\n  flex-shrink:0;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.25);\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n  transition:transform .3s ease,border-color .3s,background .3s;\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.3);\n}\n.asf-faq-page .acc-chevron svg{\n  width:12px;height:12px;transition:transform .3s ease;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .acc-chevron svg path{stroke:rgba(212,175,55,.6);transition:stroke .3s}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open] .acc-chevron{\n  transform:rotate(180deg);\n  border-color:var(--gold);background:rgba(212,175,55,.12);\n}\n.asf-faq-page details.acc-item[open] .acc-chevron svg path{stroke:var(--gold-light)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 ANSWER \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .acc-body{\n  padding:0 28px 22px 76px;\n  animation:faq-open-glow .25s ease-out;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .acc-body p{\n  margin:0;font-size:14.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);line-height:1.72;text-align:left;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .acc-body a{color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline}\n.asf-faq-page .acc-body strong{color:#fff;font-weight:800}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 ROUTING TABLE \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .route-wrap{\n  margin:0 16px 32px;\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.22);\n  border-radius:20px;\n  overflow:hidden;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table{\n  width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:13.5px;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table th{\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#111,#080808);\n  color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:900;\n  padding:12px 16px;text-align:left;\n  border-bottom:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.2);\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table td{\n  padding:11px 16px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\n  border-bottom:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.08);\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0d0d0d,#090909);\n  vertical-align:middle;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table tr:nth-child(even) td{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#101010,#0c0c0c)}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table tr:last-child td{border-bottom:none}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table .badge{\n  display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:800;\n  padding:3px 10px;border-radius:999px;letter-spacing:.05em;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table .badge-ca{\n  background:rgba(212,175,55,.12);color:var(--gold-light);border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.3);\n}\n.asf-faq-page .route-table .badge-fed{\n  background:rgba(34,197,94,.1);color:#4ade80;border:1px solid rgba(34,197,94,.3);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 RELATED LINKS \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-related{\n  margin:0 16px 32px;\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.2);\n  border-radius:20px;\n  padding:22px;\n  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px 12px;justify-content:center;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-related a{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;\n  padding:10px 16px;border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.3);border-radius:8px;\n  font-size:13px;font-weight:800;color:var(--gold-light);\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.4);\n  text-decoration:none;transition:transform .18s,border-color .18s;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-related a:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);border-color:var(--gold)}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 FINAL CTA \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-final{\n  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;justify-content:center;margin:0 16px 28px;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 DISCLAIMER \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-faq-page .faq-disc{\n  margin:0 16px;padding:14px 18px;\n  background:rgba(0,0,0,.35);\n  border:1px solid rgba(212,175,55,.1);\n  border-radius:14px;\n  font-size:11px;line-height:1.6;color:rgba(255,255,255,.35);text-align:center;\n}\n.asf-faq-page .faq-disc a{color:rgba(212,175,55,.5);font-weight:600}\n\n@media(max-width:680px){\n  .asf-faq-page .acc-body{padding:0 18px 18px 52px}\n  .asf-faq-page details.acc-item summary{padding:16px 16px 16px 20px}\n  .asf-faq-page .route-table{font-size:12px}\n  .asf-faq-page .route-table th,.asf-faq-page .route-table td{padding:9px 10px}\n  .asf-faq-page .faq-ctas,.asf-faq-page .faq-final{flex-direction:column;align-items:stretch;margin-left:16px;margin-right:16px}\n  .asf-faq-page .btn-call,.asf-faq-page .btn-ghost{width:100%;justify-content:center}\n}\n\n.home .entry-title,.home .page-header{display:none!important}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"asf-faq-page\">\n\n  <!-- FLOAT LOGO -->\n  <div class=\"faq-logo\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/asf-official-logo-site-vs-copy.jpg\"\n         alt=\"Apostille San Francisco\">\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- BREADCRUMB -->\n  <div class=\"faq-crumbs\">\n    <a href=\"\/\">Home<\/a> &rsaquo; California Apostille FAQ\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- H1 CARD -->\n  <div class=\"faq-hero\">\n    <div class=\"faq-hero-inner\">\n      <div class=\"faq-kicker\">\n        <span class=\"kr\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"kt\">California SOS &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Federal OSCA &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Document Types<\/span>\n        <span class=\"kr\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <h1>California Apostille FAQ<\/h1>\n      <p id=\"direct-answer\" class=\"faq-sub\">Plain answers to the questions we hear every day \u2014 processing times, routing rules, document requirements, and what causes rejections.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"faq-rating\">\n        <span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"st\">&#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605;<\/span>\n        <span class=\"tx\">9 verified Google reviews &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; (415) 439-0289<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CTAs -->\n  <div class=\"faq-ctas\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a>\n    <a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start $45 Document Check<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 SECTION 1: GENERAL \u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-section-label\"><span>General Questions<\/span><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"acc-wrap\">\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">1<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">How long does California apostille processing take?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>Standard California Secretary of State mail-in processing takes <strong>5\u20137 business days<\/strong> from the date we file. SOS workload can extend this period. In-person Sacramento filing is faster when eligible. <strong>Same-day service<\/strong> is available through our Sacramento courier at $380 \u2014 call to confirm current availability before sending documents.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">2<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Does a California apostille certificate expire?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>The apostille certificate itself <strong>does not expire<\/strong>. However, some destination authorities \u2014 especially for vital records \u2014 require recently issued source documents. Confirm the destination country&#8217;s document-age requirements before ordering a new certified copy. We verify this during the $45 Document Check.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">3<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">What&#8217;s the difference between an apostille and authentication?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>A <strong>California apostille<\/strong> is for documents going to <a href=\"\/california-apostille-process\/\">Hague Convention member countries<\/a> \u2014 issued by the California SOS. <strong>Authentication + embassy legalization<\/strong> is for non-Hague countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.) \u2014 handled by the U.S. Department of State then the destination embassy. The two routes are not interchangeable \u2014 using the wrong one results in rejection.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">4<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">How much does a California apostille cost?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p><strong>$175<\/strong> \u2014 standard mail-in apostille, per document<br>\n        <strong>$245<\/strong> \u2014 notary + apostille (mail-in)<br>\n        <strong>$425<\/strong> \u2014 door-to-door San Francisco same-day (notary included)<br>\n        <strong>$380<\/strong> \u2014 same-day Sacramento courier filing (notary included)<br>\n        <strong>$45<\/strong> \u2014 Document Check (credited toward your service)<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">5<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">What is the $45 Document Check?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>A pre-flight review before you commit to service. We verify document type, issuing authority, certification format, destination country requirements, and correct routing (California SOS vs. federal OSCA). If anything would cause a rejection, we catch it here \u2014 before you&#8217;ve mailed any originals. <strong>The $45 is credited toward your apostille fee.<\/strong> <a href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start a Document Check \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">6<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">What causes California apostille rejections?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>The most common rejection causes: <strong>wrong format<\/strong> (photocopy instead of certified original) \u00b7 <strong>incomplete notarial wording<\/strong> \u00b7 <strong>unclear registrar or notary signatures<\/strong> \u00b7 <strong>missing county certification<\/strong> for pre-2005 vital records \u00b7 <strong>incorrect routing<\/strong> (sending a federal document to California SOS). Our $45 Document Check catches all of these before filing.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n  <\/div><!-- \/acc-wrap -->\n\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 SECTION 2: ROUTING \u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-section-label\"><span>California SOS vs. Federal OSCA \u2014 Quick Reference<\/span><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"route-wrap\">\n    <table class=\"route-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Document<\/th>\n          <th>Authority<\/th>\n          <th>Guide<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>California birth certificate<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-ca\">CA SOS<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/california-birth-certificate-apostille\/\">Birth Cert \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>California death certificate<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-ca\">CA SOS<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/california-death-certificate-apostille\/\">Death Cert \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>California marriage certificate<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-ca\">CA SOS<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/california-marriage-certificate-apostille\/\">Marriage Cert \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>California diploma or transcript<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-ca\">CA SOS<\/span> <small style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);font-size:11px\">(notarize first)<\/small><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/california-diploma-apostille\/\">Diploma \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Notarized documents &amp; court records<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-ca\">CA SOS<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/california-apostille-process\/\">CA SOS Process \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>FBI Identity History Summary<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-fed\">US Dept of State<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">FBI Guide \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Federal court orders &amp; USCIS docs<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-fed\">US Dept of State<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/federal-apostille\/\">Federal Apostille \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Documents for non-Hague countries<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge badge-fed\">US Dept of State + Embassy<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><a href=\"\/federal-apostille\/\">Federal Apostille \u2192<\/a><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 SECTION 3: DOCUMENT-SPECIFIC \u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"faq-section-label\"><span>Document-Specific Questions<\/span><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"acc-wrap\">\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">7<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Can the California SOS apostille my FBI background check?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p><strong>No.<\/strong> FBI Identity History Summary reports are federal documents issued by the FBI CJIS Division. They must be authenticated through the <strong>U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C.<\/strong> \u2014 not the California SOS. Filing with Sacramento results in rejection. See the <a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">FBI Background Check Apostille guide<\/a> for the correct federal route.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">8<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Can I apostille a California birth certificate?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>Yes \u2014 with a <strong>certified copy from CDPH or the county recorder<\/strong>. Hospital souvenir certificates and photocopies are rejected. Pre-2005 certificates may need an additional county certification step before SOS filing. We verify during the $45 Document Check. See the full <a href=\"\/california-birth-certificate-apostille\/\">Birth Certificate Apostille guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">9<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Does my diploma need notarization before apostille?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>In most cases, <strong>yes<\/strong>. Diplomas are private documents \u2014 a California notary must notarize your acknowledgment of the diploma before the SOS will accept it. Official transcripts bearing the registrar&#8217;s original raised or colored seal may qualify for direct apostille without notarization. We coordinate both steps. See the <a href=\"\/california-diploma-apostille\/\">Diploma Apostille guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">10<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Can I use a photocopy for an apostille?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p><strong>No.<\/strong> Whether it&#8217;s a vital record, court record, diploma, or notarized document \u2014 the California SOS requires a certified original or a properly notarized version. Ordinary photocopies are rejected without review, regardless of quality or clarity.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">11<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Can you send my apostilled document directly to another country?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>Yes. We offer international courier service from our San Francisco office. Once the apostille is issued and returned to us, we forward it directly to your destination. Mention the destination country and delivery address when you submit \u2014 we include a courier quote alongside the apostille fee.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"acc-item\">\n      <summary>\n        <div class=\"acc-num\">12<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-q\">Is same-day apostille really available in California?<\/div>\n        <div class=\"acc-chevron\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 8\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M1 1l5 5 5-5\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n      <\/summary>\n      <div class=\"acc-body\">\n        <p>Yes, for <strong>California SOS apostilles<\/strong> when the SOS allows in-person filing that day. We courier to Sacramento and file the same day we receive your document. Same-day service is <strong>$380<\/strong>. Not available for federal documents \u2014 OSCA processing cannot be expedited the same way. Call to confirm availability before sending: <a href=\"tel:+14154390289\">(415) 439-0289<\/a>.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n  <\/div><!-- \/acc-wrap -->\n\n\n  <!-- RELATED -->\n  <div class=\"faq-section-label\"><span>Document Guides<\/span><\/div>\n  <div class=\"faq-related\">\n    <a href=\"\/california-birth-certificate-apostille\/\">&#x1f4cb; Birth Certificate<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/california-death-certificate-apostille\/\">&#x1f4dc; Death Certificate<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/california-diploma-apostille\/\">&#x1f393; Diploma<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">&#x1fa96; FBI Background<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/california-apostille-process\/\">&#x1f4cc; CA SOS Process<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/federal-apostille\/\">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; Federal Apostille<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/same-day-apostille-san-francisco\/\">&#x1f680; Same-Day Service<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/california-apostille-pricing\/\">&#x1f4b0; Pricing<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/contact-apostille-san-francisco\/\">&#x1f4de; Contact<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- FINAL CTA -->\n  <div class=\"faq-final\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a>\n    <a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start Document Check &#x2192;<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- DISCLAIMER -->\n  <div class=\"faq-disc\">\n    Apostille San Francisco \u00b7 416 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 \u00b7\n    A California-commissioned notary practice. Notarial acts performed per California Government Code \u00a7\u00a78200\u20138230.\n    Not a law firm; does not provide legal advice. \u00a9 2026 Apostille San Francisco \u00b7\n    <a href=\"\/privacy-policy-apostille-san-francisco\/\">Privacy<\/a> \u00b7\n    <a href=\"\/terms-of-service\/\">Terms<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/asf-faq-page -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home &rsaquo; California Apostille FAQ California SOS &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Federal OSCA &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Document Types California Apostille FAQ Plain answers to the questions we hear every day \u2014 processing times, routing rules, document requirements, and what causes rejections. &#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605;&#x2605; 9 verified Google reviews &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; (415) 439-0289 &#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289 Start $45 Document Check General Questions 1 &#8230; <a title=\"California Apostille FAQ\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/california-apostille-faq\/\" aria-label=\"Leer m\u00e1s sobre California Apostille FAQ\">Leer m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1971","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1971"}],"version-history":[{"count":102,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1971\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5775,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1971\/revisions\/5775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}