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An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For California birth certificates, the apostille is issued by the California Secretary of State. The process requires a certified original copy with a raised seal and original signature, costs $20 per apostille, and typically takes 5-7 business days by mail or same-day service if submitted in person in Sacramento.
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An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is used for documents that will be used in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille verifies that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine and that the official who signed it was authorized to do so.
For California birth certificates, the apostille is issued by the California Secretary of State. The apostille must be attached to the original document and travels with it to the foreign country.
Over 140 countries recognize apostilles as proof of document authenticity, making them essential for international use of official documents.
Anyone can request an apostille for a California-issued document. There are no restrictions on who can submit an apostille request. The document must be:
Original Certified Copy
From California Department of Public Health or county vital records office
Raised or Multicolored Seal
Must have an embossed or colored seal
Original Signature
Must be signed by the issuing official (not stamped)
$20
Per apostille certificate
Payment: Check or money order payable to "Secretary of State"
Mail:
5-7 business days after receipt
In-Person:
Same day or next business day
Request a certified copy from the California Department of Public Health or your county vital records office. It must have a raised seal and original signature.
Download and fill out the California Secretary of State apostille request form with:
Include $20 per apostille as a check or money order payable to "Secretary of State". Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Mail or deliver in person:
Your apostilled certificate will be returned in the self-addressed envelope. Keep the apostille attached to your birth certificate when using it internationally.
Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
Apostille Section
1500 11th Street, Room 495
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone:
(916) 653-3595
Email:
notary@sos.ca.gov
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST)
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Generate My Apostille StepsReviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Document Processing Specialist
Source: Information sourced from California Secretary of State and California Department of Public Health official documentation.