General Questions
What is an apostille and why do I need one?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued by the Secretary of State that verifies the legitimacy of a public document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It ensures that your document will be accepted in foreign legal systems without further embassy or consulate legalization. Apostilles are commonly required for documents related to international travel, business, marriage, or education.
How does the apostille process work in California?
In California, the apostille process begins with verifying that your document is eligible—either a certified vital record or a properly notarized document. The California Secretary of State then authenticates the signature and attaches an apostille certificate. Learn more about the process on the California Secretary of State’s website.
Where can I get an apostille in Orange County?
You can get an apostille in Orange County by visiting one of our multiple Orange County Apostille office locations. We provide both walk-in (by appointment) and mobile services to help you process documents quickly and efficiently. Our team ensures your paperwork meets all California and international requirements.
Can I walk in for the apostille in California?
While some government offices may allow walk-ins, most require appointments, and wait times can be long. At Orange County Apostille, we offer fast, convenient, appointment-based services throughout the region. This ensures your documents are processed correctly and without delay.
Can I apostille documents by mail in California?
Yes, you can apostille documents by mail through the California Secretary of State. However, mail-in processing can take several weeks. Orange County Apostille offers faster turnaround by handling the submission and return of your documents on your behalf.
How much does it cost to get an apostille in California?
The California Secretary of State charges $20 per apostille, but this does not include notary, courier, or expedited service fees. Our all-inclusive pricing depends on document type, quantity, and turnaround time. Contact us for a custom quote or visit our service pricing page for more details.
How long does it take to get an apostille in Orange County?
With Orange County Apostille, we offer same-day, next-day, and standard processing options. The California Secretary of State typically takes 1–2 business days for in-person filings. Mail-in requests may take up to 4–6 weeks if done independently.
What types of documents can be apostilled?
We can apostille a wide range of documents, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, school transcripts, Power of Attorney, court orders, FBI background checks, and business documents. The key requirement is that the document must be either notarized or a certified copy from an issuing authority. View the full list on the California Secretary of State’s site.
Can I apostille a notarized document?
Yes, a properly notarized document can be apostilled by the California Secretary of State. The notary must be commissioned in California, and the document should include the appropriate notarial language. We offer both notarization and apostille services in one visit.
Can I get same-day apostille service in Orange County?
Yes, we offer same-day apostille services in many parts of Orange County. Depending on your document type and urgency, we can expedite your request and return your apostilled document the same day. Contact us to schedule a same-day appointment.
What is the difference between an apostille and authentication?
An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, while authentication is for countries that are not. Authentication typically requires additional steps, including embassy or consulate legalization. We help determine which process your destination country requires.
What countries accept apostille documents?
Over 120 countries accept apostilled documents under the Hague Convention. These include Mexico, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, Colombia, Brazil, and many more. A full list of member countries is available here.
What is the Hague Apostille Convention?
The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961 is an international treaty that simplifies the process of legalizing documents for use abroad. It replaces lengthy consulate legalization with a single apostille certificate. Learn more at the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
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Continuing with answers to Individual Document Questions, Business Documents, Notary & Legalizations, and International Use & Requirements:
Individual Document Questions
How do I apostille a birth certificate in California?
To apostille a California birth certificate, you must submit a certified copy issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or your County Clerk/Recorder. Once obtained, it can be sent to the California Secretary of State for apostille. We assist with document review and expedited submission. Learn more about obtaining vital records here.
Can I apostille a marriage certificate issued in California?
Yes, a certified copy of a California marriage certificate issued by the County Clerk’s Office is eligible for apostille. We handle both the verification and submission process to ensure international recognition. This is commonly required for spousal visas or dual citizenship applications.
What documents are needed to apostille a death certificate?
A certified copy of the death certificate issued by the County Clerk or CDPH is required for apostille. This is often needed for international estate matters or insurance claims. We verify the document’s eligibility and handle the apostille processing for you.
Can I apostille divorce papers?
Yes, divorce decrees or judgments can be apostilled if they are certified copies issued by the court or properly notarized. We can guide you on whether your document qualifies and assist with the apostille process for international use in family law matters.
How do I apostille my diploma or transcript?
Diplomas and transcripts must be notarized by the school registrar or accompanied by a notarized letter of authenticity. We can coordinate with your school if needed and submit the documents for apostille. These are often required for study abroad, work visas, or international credential recognition.
Can I apostille court documents or name change orders?
Yes, certified copies of court documents or name change orders issued by a California court are eligible for apostille. The documents must bear the seal and signature of the court clerk. We ensure they meet the Secretary of State’s requirements and expedite your apostille request.
Business Documents
How do I apostille articles of incorporation in California?
To apostille Articles of Incorporation, you must obtain a certified copy from the California Secretary of State’s Business Programs Division. Once certified, we submit the document for apostille processing. This is commonly needed when opening foreign subsidiaries or entering international contracts.
Can I apostille a certificate of good standing?
Yes, a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the California Secretary of State can be apostilled. It verifies your business is legally registered and in compliance. We offer fast apostille services for companies expanding or operating abroad.
How do I apostille a commercial invoice or shipping document?
Commercial documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled. We help notarize and apostille invoices, packing lists, or certificates of origin, which are often required for customs clearance and trade compliance. Contact us for guidance on international shipping document authentication.
What business documents require an apostille for international use?
Common business documents include corporate bylaws, board resolutions, partnership agreements, commercial invoices, and trademark registrations. These must be either notarized in California or issued as certified copies. We ensure they meet all requirements for international recognition.
Do corporate resolutions need to be notarized before apostille?
Yes, unless the resolution is a certified copy issued by the Secretary of State, it must be notarized. Our notaries ensure your corporate documents are properly executed and prepared for apostille certification. We can notarize and process them in the same appointment.
Notary & Legalizations
Do apostilled documents need to be notarized first?
Only if they are not personal vital records (like birth or marriage certificates). Legal, educational, or business documents must be notarized by a California notary public before being eligible for apostille. We offer same-day notary and apostille services at our locations.
What’s the difference between notarization and apostille?
Notarization confirms the identity of the signer and the validity of the signature. Apostille authenticates the notary’s signature or public official’s authority for international use. Both are required steps for many documents being sent overseas.
Do I need a California notary before getting an apostille?
Yes, if your document is not a certified government-issued record, it must be notarized in California. Our licensed notaries ensure your documents are properly executed to qualify for apostille through the California Secretary of State.
Can you notarize and apostille documents on the same day?
Yes, we offer same-day notary and apostille services across Orange County. Our team will review, notarize, and process your documents quickly to meet tight deadlines or urgent international requirements. Schedule an appointment with us here.
What types of documents can a notary public apostille?
Notaries don’t issue apostilles directly but notarize the documents required for apostille certification. These include Power of Attorney, affidavits, business contracts, and academic documents. Once notarized, we submit them to the Secretary of State for authentication.
International Use & Requirements
What if the destination country is not in the Hague Apostille Convention?
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, your document will need to go through embassy or consulate legalization after authentication by the Secretary of State. We assist with both steps to ensure compliance with foreign legal systems. View non-member countries here.
Are apostilles required for studying or working abroad?
Yes, many foreign institutions and employers require apostilled diplomas, transcripts, or background checks. We help students and professionals meet international requirements quickly by reviewing, notarizing, and apostilling documents for overseas use.
Do I need an apostille for dual citizenship applications?
Yes, most dual citizenship applications—such as with Mexico, Spain, or Italy—require apostilled birth certificates, marriage records, and other personal documents. We help ensure your paperwork meets consular submission standards. Learn more about vital records here.
What apostille documents are required for international business?
Common documents include Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, commercial agreements, and Power of Attorney. These must be certified or notarized in California before they can be apostilled. We streamline the process so your business can operate globally without delays.
