The California Secretary of State provides apostille services to authenticate the signatures of public officials on documents intended for use outside the United States. This certification ensures that your documents are recognized as valid in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
An apostille is essential when presenting California-issued documents abroad for various purposes, including:
By obtaining an apostille, you ensure that your documents are legally recognized in the destination country, streamlining international procedures.
The California Secretary of State can issue apostilles for documents that meet the following criteria.
Documents signed by California public officials, such as:
Note: The Secretary of State cannot apostille documents issued by federal agencies or officials from other states.
California issues apostilles for documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries that are not members, a Certificate of Authentication is provided instead. Both serve to verify the authenticity of the signature and the capacity of the official who signed the document.
Navigating the apostille process can be complex. Our service offers:
We are committed to providing efficient and reliable apostille services to meet your international documentation needs.
We offer apostille services throughout California, including:
Our network ensures that you have access to apostille services no matter where you are located in California.
Can I obtain an apostille for a document in a foreign language?
Yes, the California Secretary of State can issue an apostille for a document in a foreign language, provided the notarization is in English.
Do I need to appear in person to request an apostille?
A: No, you can submit your apostille request by mail. Ensure that you include all necessary documents and a completed request form.
How do I know if my document requires notarization before obtaining an apostille?
Generally, documents not issued by a government agency must be notarized before an apostille can be issued. It’s advisable to consult with our service or the Secretary of State’s office for specific guidance.
What is the difference between an apostille and a certificate of authentication?
An apostille is used for documents going to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. A certificate of authentication is used for documents intended for countries that are not members of the convention.
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