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In California, apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State (SOS). To get an apostille for a college diploma or transcript, you must first present it as an original notarized document. Most California universities (UC Berkeley, Claremont Graduate University, University of San Diego) offer registrar-notarized diplomas/transcripts specifically for apostille. California notaries generally cannot "certify copies" of documents (except Power of Attorney copies); instead, they notarize your signature on an affidavit or custodian statement attesting the document is a true copy. The apostille authenticates the notary's signature for use in Hague Convention countries.
Fees: $20 per apostille + $6 special handling per different public official signature. Mail processing occurs in Sacramento; in-person counters are in Sacramento and Los Angeles (no cash in LA). For non-Hague countries, you'll need embassy legalization instead.
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An apostille is an official certification issued by the California Secretary of State that authenticates the signature of a California public official or notary on a document. For educational documents, the apostille verifies the signature of the university registrar (or a notary) on your diploma or transcript.
The apostille does not verify the academic content of the diploma—it only authenticates that the notary/official who signed it is legitimate. This is essential for international use in Hague Convention countries, where the apostille replaces embassy-level certification.
See official SOS guidance: Request an Apostille
The official diploma issued by your university. For apostille, you typically submit the original certified document or a notarized registrar copy.
Grade records in a sealed envelope or notarized form. Often universities provide a registrar-notarized transcript or allow notarization of a custodian affidavit.
Request a notarized diploma or transcript directly from your university registrar. Many California universities offer this service specifically for apostille use.
✓ Why this works:
If registrar notarization is unavailable, you (the diploma holder) can sign a "true copy" statement before a California notary. The notary notarizes your signature on the affidavit, not the copy itself.
ℹ How it works:
Some universities place a notarial certificate directly on the diploma or transcript. Ask your registrar if this service is available. This is often the fastest and most straightforward approach.
For authoritative guidance: CA Notary Handbook; SOS Apostille FAQs
$20
per apostille
+ $6 special handling (in-person)
In-person (Sac/LA): Same day
Mail (Sacramento): Several weeks
Verify current schedule
Check if your destination is a Hague Convention signatory. Hague countries need apostille; others require embassy legalization instead. US State Dept overview
Option A (preferred): Request registrar-notarized diploma/transcript from your university. Option B: Use custodian affidavit notarized by a CA notary.
Contact your university registrar or a local notary. If using a custodian affidavit, prepare your statement and ID.
Gather: notarized diploma/transcript, cover letter with details, payment (check/money order), and self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests.
Mail to Sacramento or visit in-person (Sacramento/LA). In-person is faster (same day); mail takes several weeks.
Apostille will be affixed to your document. Check that it includes the SOS seal, date, and signature. Verify your destination country's specific format requirements.
If your destination is non-Hague, contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for legalization steps (outside this guide's scope).
UC Berkeley's registrar office provides notarized diplomas and transcripts for apostille.
Learn moreCGU provides guidance on notarized records and apostille workflows.
Learn moreUSD provides step-by-step instructions for notarized diplomas and SOS apostille workflow.
View PDFNo. Except for Power of Attorney copies, California notaries cannot certify copies of documents. Instead, use a registrar-notarized certification or a custodian affidavit where the diploma holder signs a statement before the notary.
Yes. The SOS apostille authenticates the notary/public official signature on an original notarized document. Photocopies are not accepted. Request notarized originals or registrar-certified copies from your university.
$20 per apostille + $6 special handling per different public official signature (in-person counter). Mail processing is typically included in the base fee. Verify current pricing on the SOS website.
CA SOS has in-person counters in Sacramento and Los Angeles. Hours vary; check the SOS website for current schedules. Los Angeles counter does not accept cash—bring check or card.
Ask for a registrar-notarized letter stating the diploma is authentic. Alternatively, use a custodian affidavit: you sign a sworn statement that the copy is true, and a CA notary notarizes your signature. Confirm your destination country accepts this form.
Hague Convention countries need an apostille only. Non-Hague countries require embassy legalization instead. Check your destination country's requirements. See US State Dept overview.
Yes. You can request multiple apostilles if there are multiple notarized signatures (e.g., registrar and registrar assistant). Each signature requires a separate $20 apostille fee. Coordinate with the SOS.
Contact the California Secretary of State for a replacement. You may need to resubmit the document and pay a new apostille fee. Ask the SOS for guidance.
Get personalized instructions for your exact document and state — clear steps from notarization to SOS apostille.
Generate My Apostille StepsReviewed by: Amelia Rivera, Document Processing Specialist
Methodology: This guide synthesizes official guidance from the California Secretary of State, California Notary Handbook, and university registrar examples (all linked above).