Apostille Services & Document Notarization in Sacramento

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Over 120 countries recognize apostille-certified documents, including Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China (for some purposes), and many others.

Common situations requiring an apostille include:

• Getting married abroad and needing a certified copy of your birth certificate
• Adopting a child from another country
• Working, studying, or retiring in a foreign country
• Using an American Power of Attorney in another country
• International business transactions
• Immigration and residency applications

How the California Apostille Process Works

Getting a California apostille requires two separate steps:

Step 1 — Notarization (We Handle This)

For private documents (powers of attorney, affidavits, notarized copies of diplomas, etc.), the document must first be notarized by a California notary public. The notary's signature and seal on the document is what the Secretary of State will authenticate in Step 2.

Note: Some documents — like California birth certificates, death certificates, and court documents — are already signed by a public official and do not require notarization before the apostille. They go directly to Step 2.

Step 2 — California Secretary of State Authentication

After notarization, the document goes to the California Secretary of State's office for the apostille itself. The Secretary of State authenticates the notary's commission and attaches the apostille certificate to the document.

• Processing time: Typically 10–15 business days by mail; same-day or next-day walk-in service at the Secretary of State's Sacramento or Los Angeles offices
• Fee: $20 per document (as of 2025)
• For urgent needs: In-person appointments at the Secretary of State Sacramento office (1500 11th St) for same-day processing

Documents We Notarize for Apostille

• Power of Attorney — For use in another country (e.g., authorizing someone in Mexico to sell your property there)
• Affidavits — Sworn statements for use in foreign legal proceedings
• Notarized copy of passport or ID — Some countries require a notarized copy for visa or residency applications
• Notarized copy of diploma or degree — For use in employment or professional licensing abroad
• Notarized translations — If a certified translator has translated a document, the translation can be notarized for apostille
• Company documents — Corporate authorizations, board resolutions, and business documents for international use
• Adoption documents — Home study reports, consent forms, and other private adoption documents

Don't see your document listed? If you have a private document that needs notarization as part of the apostille process, call us — we notarize most document types. Not sure whether your document needs notarization first? We're happy to answer that question before you book.

What to Have Ready

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• The unsigned document to be notarized (if it's a private document requiring notarization)
• Know which country will receive the apostille — this affects requirements
• Confirm whether the destination country is a Hague Convention member
• If using a translator, have their certification information available
• Understand the Secretary of State's current processing timeline for your needs

Download the CA Secretary of State Apostille Cover Sheets

After we notarize your document, you'll submit it to the CA Secretary of State with one of these official cover sheets. Download and print the one that matches how you're submitting.

The $20 per document fee is paid directly to the CA Secretary of State — not to us. Sacramento walk-in appointments available at 1500 11th St for same-day processing.