How to Apostille a California Notarized document (2026 Guide)
To apostille a California notarized document, have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. Then submit it to the California Secretary of State for $20 per document. Mail processing takes about 10–15 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $20 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | California Secretary of State |
| Required copy | Have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. |
| Mail time | 10–15 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Have the document notarized. Some states require the county clerk to certify the notary first. In California, california birth, death and marriage certificates come from CDPH Vital Records or the county recorder; the copy must be a certified copy, not an informational copy.
Step 2 — Submit to the California Secretary of State
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $20 per document by check or money order. Same-day counter service in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The notary's authority is not certified by the county where required
- The notary stamp is expired or illegible
Who typically needs this
Parental consent-to-travel letters.
Notarized passport or ID copies.
Miscellaneous foreign-requested statements.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a notarized document in California?
The California Secretary of State charges $20 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my notarized document?
No. California apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The notary's authority is not certified by the county where required
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in California runs about 10–15 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a notarized document apostille?
People who parental consent-to-travel letters or need it for notarized passport or id copies. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your California notarized document.
Other California documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the California Secretary of State and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.