How to Get Your Apostille Through Orange County Apostille: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to use documents in another country—whether for marriage, business, immigration, education, or adoption—you’ll likely need an apostille. At Orange County Apostille, we make the apostille process fast, easy, and stress-free. This guide explains exactly how to get your documents apostilled through us, with links to official government resources along the way.
📍 Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille to begin.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a designated authority and ensures that your document will be recognized in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Common Documents That Need an Apostille
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Divorce decrees (California Courts)
- Educational diplomas and transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
- FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Business documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws) (California Secretary of State)
- Notarized powers of attorney or affidavits (National Notary Association)
How to Get an Apostille Through Orange County Apostille
✅ Step 1: Identify the Document Type and Issuing Authority
Before you can begin the apostille process, determine whether your document is:
- A state-issued document (e.g., birth certificate, business license)
- A federal document (e.g., FBI background check, naturalization certificate)
- A notarized private document (e.g., power of attorney, affidavit)
Use the right authority:
- California documents: Go through the California Secretary of State
- Federal documents: Authenticated by the U.S. Department of State
✅ Step 2: Gather and Prepare the Correct Version
- For vital records, order a certified copy from your county clerk or from the California Department of Public Health
- For criminal records, request your report from the FBI
- For court documents, get certified copies through your county’s official court website (CA Court Locator)
✅ Step 3: Notarize (If Needed)
Documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, or declarations must be notarized before they can be apostilled.
Need help notarizing? We can connect you with a trusted professional from the National Notary Association.
✅ Step 4: Send Us Your Document
You can drop off your documents in person, schedule a mobile pick-up, or mail them to our office. We provide:
- Same-day service for select documents
- 24–48 hour turnaround for standard processing
- Secure courier handling with FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express
✅ Step 5: We Process Your Apostille
Once we receive your documents, we:
- Review them for compliance
- Submit them to the appropriate agency (e.g., California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State)
- Monitor their progress and communicate any delays
If your document is for a non-Hague country, we offer embassy legalization services. Check country status at Embassy World.
✅ Step 6: Receive Your Apostilled Document
We return your completed apostille via your preferred method:
- Standard or expedited shipping
- Local pickup available
Timeline and Cost
- California Apostilles: 5–10 business days standard, expedited available
- Federal Apostilles: 2–3 weeks, expedited available
Ask us about bulk discounts for businesses, schools, or immigration attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get an apostille?
- Standard: 5–10 business days
- Expedited: 24–48 hours (some same-day available)
What if I need my documents for a non-Hague country?
- We can help with embassy and consular legalization for countries like China, UAE, or Canada.
Can I apostille a digital or scanned document?
- No. You must provide original or certified copies.
Do I need an appointment?
- Not required for drop-off, but we recommend you book your appointment for personalized service.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Experienced with state and federal apostilles
- Same-day and 24-hour services
- Secure, trackable document handling
- Full support for non-Hague destinations
Conclusion
The apostille process can seem daunting—but with the right support, it’s easy. At Orange County Apostille, we handle everything from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters.
For fast, efficient apostille service, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
