Find Your Fastest Route
2 min checkCurrent Processing Snapshot
Last Verified TodayProcessing mail received ~ Dec 15th
Counter open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Drop-off only (Pickup next day)
Arizona Can Have Processing Backlogs
Unlike many states, Arizona's Secretary of State office can experience significant backlogs. Standard mail-in processing that normally takes 1-2 weeks can extend to 4-6 weeks during busy periods. Plan ahead:
- Walk-in at Phoenix is faster but still subject to office capacity
- Courier services expedite processing but can't bypass state delays
- If urgent, call ahead or use a courier with daily SOS relationships
This page is about speed and choosing a service
Looking for step-by-step DIY instructions? Those live in our free guides:
Choose Your Best Option
Given Arizona's potential backlogs, planning ahead is crucial.
DIY (Standard Mail)
⚠️ Can take 4-6 weeks
- $3 state fee
- Variable processing
- Check status before mailing
Expedited Service
Best for: any deadline
- 2-7 day options
- Daily SOS relationships
- Bypass backlog queues
Document Review
Prevent rejections
- Check before you mail
- Avoid re-submission delays
- Detailed feedback
Fastest Ways to Apostille in California
Understanding your options is the first step to getting your document processed quickly.
In-Person (Sacramento)
Submit in person at the main Secretary of State office.
- Open M-F 8am-4pm
- Cash, check or money order accepted
In-Person (Los Angeles)
Drop-off window in LA regional office.
- No appointments
- Cash NOT accepted
Mail (Sacramento Only)
Standard mail processing handled by Sacramento HQ.
- Most affordable option
- Use our DIY guide
Federal Route (FBI, etc.)
FBI clearances & federal docs need US Dept. of State apostille.
- Cannot be done at state level
- Different process
Expedited by Document Type
Each document type has specific requirements. Select yours to see the fastest safe route.
Vital Records
In-person submission in Sacramento or LA for same-day service. Courier services handle this daily.
Common Rejection Reason
Wrong certification — must have official county seal, not a photocopy.
What to Prepare
- Certified copy from county registrar (raised seal or colored stamp)
- Original OK if you have only one
- No additional notarization needed
Compare Expedited Services
Top-rated providers servicing Arizona. Verified for active status, fair pricing, and responsive support.
Plan Ahead for Arizona
Arizona's $3 fee is cheap, but processing times are unpredictable. If you have a firm deadline, use a courier service to avoid the risk of backlog delays.
Why Trust This Page
Our information is based on official sources, verified by real experts, and updated regularly.
Official-Source Backed
- Mail processed by Sacramento only
- In-person same-day in Sacramento & LA
- LA: no appointments, cash not accepted
Last Verified
January 17, 2026
Processing dates and office availability verified against official CA SOS announcements weekly.
Reviewed By Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
"Arizona is tricky — the $3 fee looks great, but their office can get seriously backlogged. If you have any kind of deadline, use a service with daily Phoenix SOS relationships."
Michael Chen
Senior Document Authentication Specialist