{"id":3396,"date":"2026-03-17T20:47:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T20:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/?page_id=3396"},"modified":"2026-07-24T14:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:30:08","slug":"which-documents-can-be-apostilled","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Documents Can Be Apostilled"},"content":{"rendered":"\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-h {\n\n  --gold:#D4AF37;--gold-rich:#E6BE3F;--gold-light:#F4D77A;--gold-dark:#B8860B;\n\n  --green:#22C55E;--green-dark:#059669;\n\n  --red:#EF4444;--red-light:#FCA5A5;\n\n  --slate:#94A3B8;\n\n  --bg-0:#0C0C0C;--bg-1:#090909;--bg-2:#060606;\n\n  --sheen:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% -10%,rgba(212,175,55,.13) 0%,rgba(212,175,55,0) 65%);\n\n  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infinite;\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .logo-medal img{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 HERO IMAGE \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.asf-h .hero-img{margin:0;border-radius:29px 29px 0 0;border-bottom:3px solid var(--gold);background:#050505;position:relative;overflow:visible}\n.asf-h .hero-frame{border-radius:29px 29px 0 0;overflow:hidden;position:relative}\n.asf-h .hero-frame img{display:block;width:100%;height:340px;object-fit:cover;object-position:center 40%}\n.asf-h .hero-caption{position:absolute;bottom:14px;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:800;text-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.8);z-index:2}\n@media(max-width:600px){.asf-h .hero-frame img{height:240px}}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 BREADCRUMB \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .crumbs{font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.06em;color:rgba(255,255,255,.45);text-align:center;padding-top:76px;margin-bottom:10px}\n\n.asf-h .crumbs 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100%;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;animation:asf-shine 8s ease-in-out infinite}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 DIRECT ANSWER \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .answer-box{\n\n  margin:0 16px 32px;padding:22px 24px;border-radius:18px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(20,18,8,.92),rgba(8,7,4,.95));\n\n  border:1.5px solid rgba(212,175,55,.45);border-left:3px solid var(--gold);\n\n}\n\n.asf-h .answer-box p{font-size:14.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);line-height:1.75;margin:0}\n\n.asf-h .answer-box strong{color:var(--gold-light);font-weight:800}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 30-SEC FLOW (steps) \u2500\u2500 *\/\n\n.asf-h .steps-wrap{margin:0 16px 32px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}\n\n.asf-h .step-row{\n\n  display:grid;grid-template-columns:52px 1fr;gap:16px;align-items:center;padding:18px 20px;border-radius:16px;\n\n  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(14,14,14,.9),rgba(6,6,6,.95));border:1.5px solid 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.btn-ghost{justify-content:center}\n\n}\n\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"asf-h\">\n  <!-- FLOAT LOGO --><\/p>\n<div class=\"logo-medal\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/asf-official-logo-site-vs-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Apostille San Francisco\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hero-img\">\n    <div class=\"hero-frame\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Which-document.png\" alt=\"Which documents can be apostilled in California \u2014 Apostille San Francisco\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hero-caption\">San Francisco \u00b7 California Apostille Concierge \u00b7 SOMA Hub<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<p><!-- BREADCRUMB --><\/p>\n<div class=\"crumbs\">\n    <a href=\"\/\">Home<\/a> \u203a Which Documents Can Be Apostilled<\/div>\n<p><!-- H1 HERO --><\/p>\n<div class=\"hdr-wrap\">\n<div class=\"hdr\">\n<div class=\"kicker\">\n        <span class=\"kr\"><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"kt\">Eligibility &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; CA SOS vs. Federal &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Hague Routing<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"kr\"><\/span><\/div>\n<h1>Which Documents Can Be Apostilled<\/h1>\n<p id=\"direct-answer\" class=\"hero-sub\">Eligibility comes down to three things: who issued the document, whether it is in the correct certified or notarized form, and whether the destination country is a Hague Convention party. This page maps every common document to its correct authority \u2014 California Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State, or another state.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hero-meta\">\n        <span class=\"pill\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span> Mon\u2013Fri \u00b7 9am\u20135pm PT<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"pill gold\">&#x1f3db;&#xfe0f; CA SOS &amp; Federal routes<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"pill\">&#x1f4cd; 416 Bryant St, San Francisco<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CTAs --><\/p>\n<div class=\"ctas\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start $45 Document Check<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- DIRECT ANSWER --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Direct Answer<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"answer-box\">\n<p>Documents eligible for a <strong>California apostille<\/strong> fall into four buckets: <strong>vital records<\/strong> (birth, marriage, death certified copies), <strong>court records<\/strong> (divorce decrees, court-certified judgments), <strong>notarized documents<\/strong> (powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts), and <strong>academic and business records<\/strong> (registrar-certified transcripts and diplomas, certified business records). Federal documents \u2014 FBI, USCIS, IRS \u2014 route through the <strong>U.S. Department of State<\/strong>, not California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- 30-SECOND FLOW --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Eligibility in 30 Seconds<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"steps-wrap\">\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Who issued it?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>California-issued or California-notarized<\/strong> \u2192 California Secretary of State. <strong>Federal<\/strong> \u2192 U.S. Department of State. <strong>Out-of-state<\/strong> \u2192 that state&#8217;s Secretary of State.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Is it in the correct form?<\/h3>\n<p>Certified copy (not informational) for vital records; court-certified copy (not conformed) for court documents; complete acknowledgment for notarized documents; registrar-certified or notarized copy for academic records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Is the destination a Hague party?<\/h3>\n<p>If yes \u2014 apostille. If no \u2014 embassy or consulate legalization. The HCCH member list is the authoritative reference for current membership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CATEGORY: VITAL RECORDS --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>California-Issued Documents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card ca\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Vital Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge ca\">CA SOS \u00b7 CDPH \/ County Recorder<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/california-birth-certificate-apostille\/\">Birth certificate<\/a> <span>\u2014 certified copy from CDPH or county recorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/california-marriage-certificate-apostille\/\">Marriage certificate<\/a> <span>\u2014 certified copy (public or confidential)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/california-death-certificate-apostille\/\">Death certificate<\/a> <span>\u2014 certified copy, authorized requesters<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Stillbirth &amp; fetal death certificates <span>\u2014 certified copies from CDPH<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cat-note\">Must be a certified copy with raised seal and Registrar signature. Informational copies are not apostille-eligible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card ca\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Court Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge ca\">CA SOS \u00b7 Superior Court<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/california-divorce-decree-apostille\/\">Divorce decree<\/a> <span>\u2014 court-certified final decree<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Court judgments &amp; orders <span>\u2014 clerk-signed certified copies<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Probate records <span>\u2014 Letters Testamentary \/ Administration<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Adoption records <span>\u2014 some sealed; need court order<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Name change orders <span>\u2014 court-certified copies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cat-note\">Some destinations require county clerk certification of the judge&#8217;s signature before the apostille \u2014 confirm with the destination consulate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card ca\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Notarized Documents<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge ca\">CA SOS \u00b7 CA Notary Public<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/power-of-attorney-apostille-california\/\">Power of attorney<\/a> <span>\u2014 CA-notarized for international use<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Affidavits &amp; sworn statements<\/li>\n<li>Contracts &amp; agreements <span>\u2014 notarized for foreign jurisdictions<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Single \/ marital status declarations<\/li>\n<li>Acknowledgments of paternity<\/li>\n<li>Real estate deeds &amp; conveyances<\/li>\n<li>Notarized copies of private documents <span>\u2014 diplomas, passports, licenses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cat-note\">Notary commission current as of the notarization date; complete acknowledgment or jurat block. The apostille authenticates the notary&#8217;s signature, not the document&#8217;s substance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card ca\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Academic Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge ca\">CA SOS \u00b7 Registrar or Notary<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/california-diploma-apostille\/\">Diploma<\/a> <span>\u2014 notarized or registrar-certified copy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/california-transcript-apostille\/\">Transcript<\/a> <span>\u2014 sealed registrar or notarized copy<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Degree verification letters <span>\u2014 registrar-issued<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Enrollment certificates <span>\u2014 registrar-issued<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Credential evaluation reports <span>\u2014 when notarized for foreign use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cat-note\">Registrar signature on file with the California Secretary of State for the direct-certification route; otherwise the notarized-copy route applies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card ca\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Business &amp; Corporate Records<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge ca\">CA SOS \u00b7 Business Programs<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li>Articles of incorporation <span>\u2014 certified SOS copy<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Certificate of good standing<\/li>\n<li>Certificate of qualification \/ authorization<\/li>\n<li>Corporate resolutions &amp; bylaws <span>\u2014 notarized true copies<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Statement of information <span>\u2014 certified SOS copy<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Trademark registration <span>\u2014 CA-issued; USPTO routes federal<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Fictitious business name statements <span>\u2014 county clerk certified<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- BRAND PARTNER REFERENCE (contextual \u00b7 notarization-first) --><\/p>\n<div class=\"partner-ref\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"pr-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-snc-site-logo-e1781531656654-copy.png\" alt=\"Sacramento Notary Co logo\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"pr-body\">\n<h3>Need notarization before your apostille?<\/h3>\n<p>Powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts, and diploma copies must be notarized before the California Secretary of State can apostille them. Apostille San Francisco is a proud partner of <a href=\"https:\/\/sacramentonotaryco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sacramento Notary Co<\/a> \u2014 trusted California notarization since 2017. They notarize; we apostille.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CATEGORY: FEDERAL --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Federal Documents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card fed\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Route Through the U.S. Department of State<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge fed\">Not California<\/span><\/div>\n<ul class=\"cat-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">FBI Identity History Summary<\/a> <span>\u2014 FBI background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li>USCIS documents <span>\u2014 Naturalization, immigrant visa records<\/span><\/li>\n<li>IRS documents <span>\u2014 federal tax return certifications<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Federal court documents <span>\u2014 U.S. District Court judgments<\/span><\/li>\n<li>FDA documents <span>\u2014 Certificate to Foreign Government<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)<\/li>\n<li>Federal trademark &amp; patent documents (USPTO)<\/li>\n<li>FCC licenses, FAA certifications, military records (DD-214)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"cat-note\">Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications, 600 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006. The California Secretary of State will return a federal document sent to it. See our <a href=\"\/federal-apostille\/\">federal apostille page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CATEGORY: OUT OF STATE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Out-of-State Documents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cat-card oos\">\n<div class=\"cat-head\">\n<h3>Route Through the Issuing State<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"cat-badge oos\">Not California<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"cat-prose\">A birth certificate from Texas, a marriage from New York, a divorce from Nevada \u2014 all must be apostilled by <strong>that state&#8217;s Secretary of State<\/strong>, not California. The California Secretary of State only authenticates California-source documents. Apostille San Francisco can coordinate out-of-state apostilles through any U.S. state Secretary of State.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- WHAT CANNOT BE APOSTILLED --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>What Cannot Be Apostilled<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-grid\">\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Unsigned Photocopies<\/h3>\n<p>The apostille attaches to a signature. Without a public-official or notary signature, there is nothing to authenticate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Informational Vital Records<\/h3>\n<p>Copies marked &#8220;Informational, not a valid document&#8221; cannot be apostilled \u2014 only certified copies qualify.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Foreign-Issued Documents<\/h3>\n<p>A document from a foreign country must be authenticated by that country&#8217;s authority, not by California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fail-card\">\n<div class=\"fc-x\">\u2715<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Translations Alone<\/h3>\n<p>A translation without the underlying source document is not eligible. Translations are typically apostilled after the original, by re-notarizing the translation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- HOW WE ROUTE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>How We Route Your Document<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"steps-wrap\">\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>$45 Document Check<\/h3>\n<p>We identify the correct bucket and route before any government fee is spent. Credited toward your service. <a href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start a Document Check<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>California Secretary of State<\/h3>\n<p>For state-source documents, filed with the California Secretary of State.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>U.S. Department of State<\/h3>\n<p>For federal documents, via the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-row\">\n<div class=\"step-num\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"step-body\">\n<h3>Out-of-State &amp; Legalization<\/h3>\n<p>Coordination through the issuing state&#8217;s Secretary of State, or <a href=\"\/embassy-consulate-legalization\/\">embassy or consulate legalization<\/a> for non-Hague destinations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- FAQ --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Document Eligibility FAQ<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-wrap\">\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Which documents can be apostilled 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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Four buckets of California-source documents: <strong>vital records<\/strong> (birth, marriage, death certified copies from CDPH or county recorder), <strong>court records<\/strong> (divorce decrees, judgments, orders \u2014 court-certified copies), <strong>notarized documents<\/strong> (powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts notarized by a California notary), and <strong>academic and business records<\/strong> (registrar-certified transcripts and diplomas, SOS business records). Federal documents route through the U.S. Department of State; out-of-state documents route through the issuing state.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can a photocopy be apostilled?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>No. The apostille attaches to a public-official or notary signature; a photocopy without notarization or certification has no signature to authenticate. You can have a California notary certify the photocopy is a true copy of the original \u2014 the apostille then authenticates the notary&#8217;s signature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can California apostille a foreign document?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>No. The California Secretary of State only authenticates California-source documents. A foreign document \u2014 a Mexican birth certificate, a U.K. court order \u2014 must be authenticated by the issuing country&#8217;s apostille or legalization authority. We can advise on the foreign route but cannot file a foreign document in California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can the California Secretary of State 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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records \u2014 they route through the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., not the California Secretary of State. We prepare the federal package on your behalf. See the <a href=\"\/fbi-background-check-apostille-california\/\">FBI background check apostille guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can a translation be apostilled?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>A translation alone is generally not apostille-eligible \u2014 the apostille needs a public-official or notary signature. The typical sequence is: the original is apostilled, a certified translator translates it, and the translator&#8217;s notarized statement is itself apostilled if the destination requires a double-apostille. Confirm the sequence with the destination consulate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">6<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can a California diploma or transcript be apostilled?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Yes, by two routes: a sealed transcript signed by the registrar of a California institution whose registrar&#8217;s signature is on file with the California Secretary of State, or a notarized copy where the registrar is not on file. See the <a href=\"\/california-transcript-apostille\/\">California transcript apostille<\/a> page for the full process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">7<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Can a private letter or document be apostilled?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>Only if it is notarized first by a California notary public. The notary&#8217;s acknowledgment converts the private document into a signed instrument with a public-official signature, which the California Secretary of State can then apostille. The apostille authenticates the notary&#8217;s signature, not the document&#8217;s content.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"acc-item\">\n<summary>\n<div class=\"acc-num\">8<\/div>\n<div class=\"acc-q\">Does the document need to be in English?<\/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\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/summary>\n<div class=\"acc-body\">\n<p>California notaries can only notarize documents they can read, so the notarization step requires either an English version with a certified translator&#8217;s affidavit or a notary who reads the language. The Secretary of State apostille step does not require English \u2014 it attaches to whatever notarized or certified document is submitted. Destination-country translation requirements are separate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- RELATED --><\/p>\n<div class=\"tc-wrap\">\n<div class=\"tc\">\n<h2>Related Paths &amp; Document Guides<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-grid\">\n    <a href=\"\/california-apostille-guide\/\">&#x1f4cc; California Apostille Process<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/federal-apostille\/\">&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; Federal Apostille<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-birth-certificate-apostille\/\">&#x1f4cb; Birth Certificate<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-marriage-certificate-apostille\/\">&#x1f48d; Marriage Certificate<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-divorce-decree-apostille\/\">&#x2696;&#xfe0f; Divorce Decree<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-death-certificate-apostille\/\">&#x1f4dc; Death Certificate<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-diploma-apostille\/\">&#x1f393; Diploma<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-transcript-apostille\/\">&#x1f4c4; Transcript<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/embassy-consulate-legalization\/\">&#x1f30d; Embassy Legalization<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/california-apostille-pricing\/\">&#x1f4b2; Pricing<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">&#x2705; $45 Document Check<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/contact-apostille-san-francisco\/\">&#x1f4de; Contact<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- FINAL CTA --><\/p>\n<div class=\"ctas\">\n    <a class=\"btn-call\" href=\"tel:+14154390289\">&#x1f4de; Call (415) 439-0289<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"btn-ghost\" href=\"\/apostille-document-check\/\">Start $45 Document Check \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- DISCLAIMER --><\/p>\n<div class=\"disc\">\n    Apostille San Francisco \u00b7 416 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 \u00b7 Mon\u2013Fri 9am\u20135pm PT (emergency line after hours) \u00b7<br \/>\nApostille issuance is by the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State. Apostille San Francisco is a private filing service \u2014 not a government agency \u2014 and does not provide legal advice. Document form requirements and outcomes are set by the issuing authority. \u00a9 2026 Apostille San Francisco \u00b7<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/privacy-policy-apostille-san-francisco\/\">Privacy<\/a> \u00b7<br \/>\n<a href=\"\/terms-of-service\/\">Terms<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/asf-h --><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Which Documents Can Be Apostilled\",\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\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/#breadcrumb\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Service\",\n      \"name\": \"California Apostille Eligibility & Document Routing\",\n      \"provider\": {\n        \"@type\": \"LocalBusiness\",\n        \"name\": \"Apostille San Francisco\",\n        \"telephone\": \"+14154390289\",\n        \"address\": {\n          \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\",\n          \"streetAddress\": \"416 Bryant Street\",\n          \"addressLocality\": \"San Francisco\",\n          \"addressRegion\": \"CA\",\n          \"postalCode\": \"94107\",\n          \"addressCountry\": \"US\"\n        }\n      },\n      \"serviceType\": \"Apostille Document Authentication\",\n      \"areaServed\": \"California\",\n      \"description\": \"Determine which documents can be apostilled in California \u2014 vital records, court records, notarized documents, academic and business records \u2014 and which federal documents route through the U.S. Department of State.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Which documents can be apostilled in California?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Four buckets of California-source documents: vital records (birth, marriage, death certified copies from CDPH or county recorder), court records (divorce decrees, judgments, orders \u2014 court-certified copies), notarized documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, contracts notarized by a California notary), and academic and business records (registrar-certified transcripts and diplomas, California Secretary of State business records). Federal documents (FBI, USCIS, IRS) route through the U.S. Department of State, not California. Out-of-state documents route through the issuing state.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can a photocopy be apostilled?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. The apostille attaches to a public-official or notary signature; a photocopy without notarization or certification has no signature to authenticate. You can have a California notary certify the photocopy is a true copy of the original \u2014 the apostille then authenticates the notary's signature.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can California apostille a foreign document?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. The California Secretary of State only authenticates California-source documents. A foreign document, such as a Mexican birth certificate or a U.K. court order, must be authenticated by the issuing country's apostille or legalization authority. We can advise on the foreign route but cannot file a foreign document in California.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can the California Secretary of State apostille my FBI background check?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records and route through the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., not the California Secretary of State. We prepare the federal package on the client's behalf.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can a translation be apostilled?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"A translation alone is generally not apostille-eligible \u2014 the apostille needs a public-official or notary signature to authenticate. The typical sequence is: the original document is apostilled, a certified translator translates it, and the translator's notarized statement is itself apostilled if the destination requires a double-apostille. Confirm the sequence with the destination consulate.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can a California diploma or transcript be apostilled?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes, by two routes: a sealed transcript signed by the registrar of a California institution whose registrar's signature is on file with the California Secretary of State, or a notarized copy where the registrar is not on file.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can a private letter or document be apostilled?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Only if it is notarized first by a California notary public. The notary's acknowledgment converts the private document into a signed instrument with a public-official signature, which the California Secretary of State can then apostille. The apostille authenticates the notary's signature, not the document's content.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does the document need to be in English?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"California notaries can only notarize documents they can read, so the notarization step requires either an English version with a certified translator's affidavit or a notary who reads the language. The Secretary of State apostille step does not require English \u2014 it attaches to whatever notarized or certified document is submitted. Destination-country translation requirements are separate.\"\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\": \"Which Documents Can Be Apostilled\",\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/\"\n        }\n      ],\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/#breadcrumb\"\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>San Francisco \u00b7 California Apostille Concierge \u00b7 SOMA Hub Home \u203a Which Documents Can Be Apostilled Eligibility &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; CA SOS vs. Federal &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; Hague Routing Which Documents Can Be Apostilled Eligibility comes down to three things: who issued the document, whether it is in the correct certified or notarized form, and whether the destination country &#8230; <a title=\"Which Documents Can Be Apostilled\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/which-documents-can-be-apostilled\/\" aria-label=\"Leer m\u00e1s sobre Which Documents Can Be Apostilled\">Leer m\u00e1s<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3396","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3396","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\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3396"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5770,"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3396\/revisions\/5770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apostillesanfrancisco.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}