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)
Georgia Uses County Clerks — Not Secretary of State
Unlike most states, Georgia uses GSCCCA (Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority) — a network of local county clerks — for apostille processing. This means:
- You can submit to any Georgia Superior Court Clerk (most use Fulton County in Atlanta)
- State fee is only $3 per document — one of the lowest in the country
- Processing speed varies by county — Atlanta-based couriers know the fastest routes
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
Balance speed, cost, and convenience based on your deadline.
DIY (Standard)
Best for: budget-conscious
- Only $3 state fee!
- 3-7 day processing
- Risk minimized with our guide
Expedited Service
Best for: critical deadline
- Same-day / 24h options
- Rejection check included
- Real-time tracking
Document Review
Reduce rejection risk
- Check before you submit
- Notarization verification
- 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 Georgia. Verified for active status, fair pricing, and responsive support.
Georgia Has One of the Lowest Fees
At just $3 per document, Georgia is one of the cheapest states for apostilles. If you have time (1+ weeks), DIY through GSCCCA is extremely cost-effective.
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
"Georgia's GSCCCA system is unique — you're dealing with county clerks, not the Secretary of State. The good news? It's just $3 per document and Atlanta-based couriers know exactly which counties process fastest."
Michael Chen
Senior Document Authentication Specialist
12+ years in international document services