Apostille Services for IDs, Driver Licenses, and Passport Copies

Certified Authentication for International Use

At Orange County Apostille, we provide professional apostille and notarization services for identification documents, including state-issued ID cards, driver licenses, and passport copies. These documents are often required for legal, business, or immigration-related matters in foreign countries. Our experienced team ensures your ID documents are correctly notarized, authenticated, and apostilled in accordance with international requirements, specifically under the Hague Apostille Convention.

When Are Apostilled IDs, Driver Licenses, or Passports Required?

Certain international procedures require U.S. identification documents to be apostilled or legalized for use abroad. Common situations include:

Foreign residency or visa applications
Driver license verifications abroad
Opening a bank account or establishing financial identity overseas
International real estate transactions
Proof of identity for dual citizenship or immigration filings
Educational or employment onboarding in another country
Corporate compliance or foreign registration requirements

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention will recognize the apostille attached to your ID document as proof of its authenticity. For countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, we provide full embassy or consulate legalization services.

Which Forms of ID Can Be Apostilled?

The following identification documents are eligible for apostille, but only under specific conditions:

1. Driver License (State-Issued)

A physical copy must be notarized first by a California notary public.
The notarized copy is then submitted to the California Secretary of State for apostille.
Original licenses are not accepted directly for apostille.

2. State ID Cards

Must be copied and notarized before apostille processing.
Cannot submit the original ID for apostille.

3. U.S. Passports

Only notarized color copies of the passport ID page can be apostilled.
We recommend including the front cover and the main information page.
Originals are not apostilled due to federal issuance and security restrictions.

Important: Notarization Is Required Before Apostille

Neither the California Secretary of State nor the U.S. Department of State will apostille an original ID or passport. Instead, we create a notarized affidavit that affirms the authenticity of the attached color copy.

At Orange County Apostille, our team provides:

In-house notarization of your ID copies
Proper formatting of the notary acknowledgment
Secure handling of the notarized document through the apostille process
Optional certified translation services (if the document is being used in a non-English-speaking country)

Apostille Process for IDs and Passport Copies

Here’s a step-by-step outline of how we apostille an ID or passport copy:

Step 1: Notarization

You provide us with a clear color copy of your ID, driver license, or passport.
One of our licensed California notaries attaches a notarial certificate to the copy and performs a notarial acknowledgment of its authenticity.

Step 2: Apostille by California Secretary of State

The notarized copy is submitted to the California Secretary of State’s office.
The Secretary confirms the notary’s commission and attaches the apostille certificate to the document.

Step 3 (Optional): Translation and Courier Return

If needed, we offer certified translation into over 90 languages.
Completed documents are returned to you by priority mail or courier service.

Example Use Case

A client from Orange County needed to submit proof of identity for a property purchase in Spain. The Spanish notario required an apostilled copy of their U.S. passport. We notarized the color copy, processed the apostille through the Secretary of State, and returned the completed apostille within 72 hours. The client used the authenticated document during their overseas closing without delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered clearly and simply.

Can I apostille my original driver license, state ID, or passport?

No. Original IDs and passports cannot be apostilled directly. Instead, a color copy of the document must be notarized by a licensed California notary public. Once notarized, the copy can then be submitted for apostille certification through the California Secretary of State.

Why do I need to notarize a copy of my ID before getting an apostille?

The California Secretary of State only apostilles documents that are either original government-issued vital records or notarized documents. Since ID cards and passports are not eligible in their original form, a notarized affidavit confirming the authenticity of the copy is required. This notarization serves as the legal foundation for the apostille process.

What countries accept apostilled ID or passport copies?

Any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention will accept a properly apostilled notarized copy of your ID or passport. If your destination country is not a Hague member, we offer embassy or consulate legalization services instead. You can view the full list of member countries here: Hague Convention Members – HCCH.

What is the process to get a passport copy apostilled?

First, a color copy of your passport’s information page (and front cover, if required) must be notarized by a California notary. Then, the notarized document is submitted to the California Secretary of State for apostille. Once complete, the apostilled document can be used internationally for identity verification, immigration, legal, or business purposes.

Can I mail my ID or passport copy to Orange County Apostille for processing?

Yes. We accept mail-in apostille requests from clients throughout the U.S. and internationally. Simply send a clear copy of your ID, along with a signed authorization form to:

17875 Von Karman Ave, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92614.

We will notarize the copy, complete the apostille process, and return the authenticated document to you.

What if my ID or passport is not in English?

We offer certified translation services in over 90 languages. If the destination country requires your apostilled document to be in their official language, we can translate and certify the document as part of the apostille process. All translations include a certificate of accuracy that is accepted internationally.

Is a notarized copy of a passport or ID accepted overseas?

Yes. Once apostilled, the notarized copy of your ID or passport is officially recognized under the Hague Convention and is valid for use abroad. This is a common requirement for visa applications, real estate transactions, proof of identity, and business filings in foreign jurisdictions.

What should I include in my apostille request for an ID or passport?

Please include the following:

A clear color copy of your ID, driver license, or passport
A signed Authorization Form
Your contact information
Return mailing address
If needed, we can handle the notarization for you once we receive the documents.

Why should I choose Orange County Apostille for this service?

Our team has years of experience processing ID and passport apostilles with precision and care. We provide:

On-site notarization
Same-day service options
Mail-in processing for remote clients
Certified translations
Fast turnaround and professional customer support
We handle every step—from notarization to apostille to secure delivery—so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Still have questions?

If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. We’re here to help and provide you with the information you need for your decision-making.