Apostille San Francisco
California apostille service based in San Francisco. We handle California Secretary of State apostilles for SF residents — and the federal OSCA route for FBI background checks and federal documents. Drop off in SOMA, mail in, or call for same-day courier to Sacramento.
This Page Is For You If
You have a California-issued document — birth cert, death cert, marriage cert, court record, diploma, or notarized document — going to another country
You need an FBI background check apostille for immigration, residency, or employment abroad
You’re on a time-sensitive deadline — visa application, international employment, real estate closing, or inheritance
You’re in San Francisco or the Bay Area and want a local specialist who files directly with the California SOS
Two Routes — Know Which One You Need
California-Issued Documents
The California Secretary of State apostilles state-issued and notarized documents. This is the most common route for SF residents.
Federal Documents
Federal documents must go through the U.S. Department of State OSCA in Washington D.C. — not the California SOS. Filing with the wrong authority causes rejection.
Three Ways to Get Your Apostille
Drop Off in SOMA
Bring your documents to 416 Bryant Street. We review on the spot, confirm eligibility, and handle all Sacramento filing.
From $175Mail It In
Send documents from anywhere in the Bay Area or California. We file with SOS or federal OSCA and return by tracked courier.
From $175Same-Day Courier
Documents picked up in SF, couriered to Sacramento SOS, filed same day. For urgent visa deadlines and international closings.
$550Pricing
Documents We Handle
Birth Certificate
CA SOSDeath Certificate
CA SOSMarriage Certificate
CA SOSCourt Records
CA SOSDiploma / Transcript
CA SOSNotarized Documents
CA SOSFBI Background Check
FederalFederal Court Orders
FederalHow It Works
Document Check — $45
Submit documents for review. We verify type, format, issuing authority, destination country requirements, and correct routing — California SOS or federal OSCA. Credited toward your apostille fee.
Notarization if Required
Vital records go straight to apostille. Diplomas, affidavits, and private documents need a California notary first. We coordinate notarization before filing.
SOS or Federal Filing
We file with the California Secretary of State in Sacramento or route federal documents to U.S. Dept of State OSCA in Washington D.C. — whichever is correct for your document.
Apostilled Document Returned
Documents returned by tracked overnight courier or available for pickup at our SOMA office. International forwarding available directly to your destination.
San Francisco Neighborhoods We Serve
San Francisco Apostille FAQ
1
How fast can I get an apostille in San Francisco?
Same-day is available via our Sacramento courier service at $550 — we pick up in SF and file at the California SOS the same day. Standard mail-in takes 5–7 business days from the date of filing. Call to confirm same-day availability before sending documents: (415) 439-0289.
2
Do I need a notary before my apostille?
It depends on the document. Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) certified by CDPH or the county recorder go directly to apostille. Diplomas, affidavits, and private documents must be notarized first. We verify this and coordinate notarization during the $45 Document Check.
3
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 the California SOS results in rejection. We manage the full federal route from our San Francisco office. See the FBI background check apostille guide.
4
Where are you located in San Francisco?
Our San Francisco office is at 416 Bryant Street, SOMA, San Francisco, CA 94107 — accessible from I-80, near the Bay Bridge, and walkable from CalTrain. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm. Call ahead for same-day drop-off: (415) 439-0289.
5
What does an apostille cost in San Francisco?
$175 — standard mail-in apostille per document
$200 — notary + apostille (we coordinate both steps)
$400 — same-day notary + apostille
$425 — door-to-door SF same-day
$550 — same-day Sacramento courier filing
$45 — Document Check, credited toward your service
6
What is the $45 Document Check?
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 — before you’ve mailed any originals. The $45 is credited toward your apostille fee. Start a Document Check →