Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: November 12, 2025
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An apostille confirms the authenticity of the notary's signature/seal — it does not validate the legal content of your POA, assign rights, or replace legal advice. For non-Hague countries, the flow is state authentication → (sometimes) U.S. Department of State → consular legalization.
• Multiple signers: each signature needs its own notary certificate.
• Name changes: attach proof (e.g., certified marriage certificate) if the foreign office requests it.
• Translations: usually done after apostille; confirm with the foreign office.
Use a California notary with a complete acknowledgment (preferred) or jurat. Don't let the notary skip venue/date/commission data or seal.
Download the CA SOS cover sheet. Fill contact info and destination country (this drives apostille wording).
Include $20 per apostille (check/money order to "Secretary of State"). For walk-in, budget an extra $6 per public official's signature.
Mail (USPS): P.O. Box 942877, Sacramento, CA 94277-0001 (include a tracked return envelope/label). Courier: 1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814. Walk-in: Sacramento or Los Angeles counters (bring ID, payment, cover sheet, and original POA).
CA SOS attaches a gold-foil apostille to the notary certificate and returns the document by your chosen method.
| Destination | Typical Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain / Italy / Portugal | Apostilled POA + certified translation | Often used for real-estate closings via proxy. |
| Mexico / Dominican Republic | Apostilled POA | Some notaries request apostille within 3–6 months of signing. |
| UAE / Singapore | Apostilled POA | Company/bank powers common; translation usually required. |
| France / Germany | Apostilled POA + sworn translation | Check local tribunal or notary requirements. |
| Item | Walk-In | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $20 per apostille | $20 + $6 special handling per public official's signature |
| Timing | ~1–3 weeks (+ shipping) | Same/next business day (capacity dependent) |
| Where | USPS: P.O. Box 942877, Sacramento, CA 94277-0001 | Sacramento: 1500 11th St. • Los Angeles: 300 S. Spring St., Room 12513 |
| Tip | Include tracked return label | Arrive early; bring ID + cover sheet + payment |
❌ Wrong authority: sending a California-notarized POA to the U.S. Department of State.
→ Fix: CA-notarized POA is apostilled by California SOS, not by DoS.
❌ Incomplete notary block: missing venue/date/commission/expiry.
→ Fix: Ask the notary to re-issue a complete acknowledgment/jurat.
❌ Using a non-California notary: CA SOS will reject.
→ Fix: Re-execute with a California Notary Public.
❌ Wrong address type: courier sent to P.O. Box or USPS sent to courier address.
→ Fix: USPS → P.O. Box; carrier → 1500 11th St.
❌ Sending copies: plain photocopies are not apostillable.
→ Fix: Submit the original notarized POA (or a notary-certified copy created in CA, if allowed).
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Get My Personalized GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Added decision guide, eligibility checklist, country matrix, copy-ready acknowledgment, error-fix table, and expanded FAQs; clarified submission channels and payment.
Next Review Due: May 2026 (or earlier if CA SOS updates forms, fees, addresses)
Reviewer Profile: /team/amelia-rivera