California Birth Certificate Apostille Guide
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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.
- Fee: $20 per apostille (check or money order)
- Processing Time: 5-7 business days by mail; same-day in person
- Requirements: Original certified copy with raised seal and original signature
- Issuing Authority: California Secretary of State
- Note: Only works for California-issued documents
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What It Is
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.
Who Can Apply
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:
- An original certified copy of your birth certificate
- Issued by California (not another state)
- In good condition with a raised seal and original signature
- Not altered, damaged, or faded
Document Requirements
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)
- • Photocopies or scanned copies
- • Computer-generated printouts
- • Documents with stamped signatures
- • Damaged, altered, or faded documents
- • Birth certificates from other states
- • Hospital-issued birth certificates
Fees & Processing Times
$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
Step-by-Step How-To
- 1
Obtain a Certified Birth Certificate
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.
- 2
Complete the Apostille Request Form
Download and fill out the California Secretary of State apostille request form with:
- • Your full name and contact information
- • Type of document (birth certificate)
- • Destination country or purpose
- • Number of apostilles needed
- 3
Prepare Payment
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.
- 4
Submit Your Documents
Mail or deliver in person:
Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
Apostille Section
1500 11th Street, Room 495
Sacramento, CA 95814 - 5
Receive Your Apostille
Your apostilled certificate will be returned in the self-addressed envelope. Keep the apostille attached to your birth certificate when using it internationally.
Contact Information
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)
Official Resources
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Sources & Methodology
Official Sources
- California Secretary of State — Apostille Services
- California Department of Public Health — Vital Records
- Hague Conference on Private International Law
Our Process
- Daily verification against official state sources
- Expert review by certified document specialists
- Fee and processing time monitoring
Disclaimer: This information is general guidance and not legal advice. Always verify current information directly with the California Secretary of State before submitting your application.
"Getting an apostille for your California birth certificate is straightforward if you have the right certified copy. The most common rejection reason is submitting a photocopy instead of an original."
Amelia Rivera
Document Processing Specialist
15+ years in document authentication
Verification & Updates Log
Tracking content accuracy and improvements
- 2026-02-20Verified
Confirmed current fees ($20) and processing times (5-7 days) with CA SOS
- 2026-01-10Updated
Added information about LA office walk-in availability
- 2026-01-05Verified
Confirmed same-day service still available at Sacramento office
- 2025-12-25Improved
Added FAQ about photocopies vs original certified copies
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