How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in California: A Complete Guide
If you need to use your California birth certificate in another country, you’ll likely be asked to get it apostilled. The apostille process is essential to ensure your document is recognized legally abroad, especially in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Whether you’re applying for dual citizenship, marriage overseas, immigration, or foreign residency, having your birth certificate apostilled is a key step. At Orange County Apostille, we’re here to guide you through the process—quickly, correctly, and without stress.
To get started, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. In the U.S., apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State of the individual state where the document originated.
Apostilles are valid for use in Hague Apostille Convention member countries, which includes more than 120 nations worldwide. Check the full list of Hague Apostille Countries.
Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Birth Certificate in California
Step 1: Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
You must have an official certified copy of your California birth certificate issued by:
- The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records, or
- Your County Clerk’s Office (such as the Orange County Clerk-Recorder).
Photocopies or notarized copies will NOT be accepted for apostille.
Step 2: Confirm the Document Type Is Eligible
Make sure the certified birth certificate includes:
- A visible raised seal or printed signature from the issuing authority
- The full name of the registrar
Documents issued by health departments (rather than state or county registrars) are often not eligible for apostille. Always double-check the source.
Step 3: Submit the Document to the California Secretary of State
You must submit the certified birth certificate to the California Secretary of State – Notary Public Section for apostille authentication.
You can submit:
- By Mail (Recommended for non-urgent cases)
- In Person (Faster processing if visiting their Sacramento or Los Angeles office)
Include:
- A completed Apostille Request Form
- A check or money order for the processing fee ($20 per apostille)
- A self-addressed, prepaid return envelope
Step 4: Receive the Apostille Certificate
Once processed, your birth certificate will be returned with an official apostille attached.
Typical processing times:
- Standard mail service: 5–10 business days
- In-person service: Same-day or next-day (depending on volume)
Can You Apostille a Birth Certificate Online?
Unfortunately, no. You cannot apostille a birth certificate online because the process requires physical submission of the certified original document.
However, you can request your certified birth certificate online from services like:
- VitalChek (official partner of government agencies)
Do I Need a Translation for the Apostille?
If your document will be used in a non-English-speaking country, you may need to submit a certified translation.
We recommend working with a member of the American Translators Association to ensure compliance with international standards.
Do I Need to Notarize the Birth Certificate?
No, if you’re using a certified copy issued by a California government office, notarization is not required. In fact, notarizing a birth certificate can render it invalid for apostille.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a photocopy or notarized copy
- Using a non-certified document
- Failing to use the correct issuing authority (state registrar vs. hospital)
- Not using the correct submission form or payment method
- Not allowing enough time for international shipping or processing
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
We specialize in helping individuals and families apostille documents in California. Our team:
- Ensures your documents meet all legal and technical requirements
- Offers certified translation services
- Provides expedited processing options
- Serves all of Orange County and surrounding areas
To save time and avoid stress, book your appointment today.
Government and Official Resources (Embedded Links)
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Request
- California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
- CDC Vital Records Office Locator
- Hague Apostille Convention Countries
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- American Translators Association
- VitalChek – Order Vital Records
- National Notary Association
- U.S. Department of Justice
- FBI Background Checks
- National Center for Health Statistics
- U.S. Courts
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Internal Revenue Service
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- FedEx International Shipping
- UPS International Shipping
Conclusion
If you’re preparing documents for use overseas, apostilling your California birth certificate is a must. While the process may seem confusing, it’s simple with the right guidance.
We offer professional apostille and translation services throughout Orange County. Whether you need help with document authentication or simply want to avoid delays, Orange County Apostille is your trusted local partner.
Ready to get started? Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
