Monitored daily. We track Secretary of State, USCIS, embassy, and Hague Conference rule changes every day — plus updates to our California document packages and DIY apostille guidance — so your filing meets the latest requirements.
Apostille Global Services is a private document authentication service. We are not a government agency.
Rules monitored daily
We track Secretary of State, USCIS, embassy, and Hague Conference updates every day.
All 50 states + DC
Hague apostille and non-Hague embassy authentication, routed to the correct authority.
Verified for 2026
Every page fact-checked against current Secretary of State, USCIS, and Hague Conference rules, re-checked quarterly.
Compliant with the rules that actually get documents accepted
Hague Apostille Convention (1961)
Apostilles issued for member countries; embassy legalization routed for non-member destinations.
State Secretary of State rules
Each filing follows the issuing state's current fee schedule, form requirements, and accepted document formats.
Vital records sourced from the state
California birth, marriage, and death certificates are sourced from the California Department of Public Health (state office), which the Secretary of State accepts for apostille on the first submission.
Notary-compliant document prep
Notarizable forms are sent blank so you can fill in the facts and sign in front of a notary — then the apostille is applied to your notarized original.
California Apostille FAQ
California apostille questions usually start with one concern: will the document be accepted overseas?
The answer depends on the document type, the issuing office, the signature, the destination country, and how the receiving party wants the document prepared.
Apostille Global Services helps clients review California documents before they are submitted for international use.
Quick Answers
- Common documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, school records, business records, powers of attorney, and notarized statements
- Main risk: The document is prepared the wrong way before submission
- Destination matters: Some countries require an apostille, while others require embassy legalization
- Best next step: Choose the right service option before preparing the packet
California Apostille Basics
What is a California apostille?
A California apostille is a certificate used when a California-issued or California-notarized document needs to be accepted in another country.
It helps the receiving party confirm that the signature or seal on the document was issued through the proper authority.
When do I need a California apostille?
You may need one when a California document will be used for marriage, immigration, school, employment, business, banking, adoption, court, or property matters abroad.
The receiving office overseas usually tells you whether an apostille is required.
Is every foreign country an apostille country?
No.
Some countries accept apostilles. Other countries require embassy legalization.
If the destination country is not an apostille country, the document may need a different process.
Where can I learn about embassy legalization?
You can review the Embassy Legalization guide for non-apostille countries.
Document Questions
Can a California birth certificate get an apostille?
Yes, but the record must be the correct type for apostille use.
The copy, issuing office, seal, and signature all matter.
Can a California marriage certificate get an apostille?
Yes.
Marriage certificates are common California apostille documents for immigration, dual citizenship, family, and foreign registry requests.
Can school records get a California apostille?
Yes, but school records often need careful review before submission.
Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment letters, and degree records may need school signatures, notarization, or other preparation depending on the receiving country.
Can business documents get a California apostille?
Yes.
California business documents may include articles, certificates, powers of attorney, agreements, invoices, certificates of origin, and other company records.
Can a notarized document get a California apostille?
Often, yes.
The notarization must be complete, clear, and properly signed.
If the notarial wording is wrong or incomplete, the document may be delayed or rejected.
Processing and Service Questions
Can Apostille Global Services review my document first?
Yes.
Document review is often the safest first step.
It helps confirm whether the document appears ready or whether it may need correction before submission.
Do you offer expedited California apostille service?
Yes.
Expedited help may be available depending on the document type, current workload, and how the packet needs to be handled.
You can review the Expedited Apostille page for more information.
Can you handle federal documents too?
Yes.
Federal documents follow a different process than California documents.
Examples can include FBI records, federal agency letters, immigration records, and federal court documents.
You can review the Federal Document Apostille guide for federal document support.
Can one packet include several documents?
Yes.
Many clients submit more than one document.
The documents should be reviewed together so the names, dates, destination, and purpose are consistent.
Translation Questions
Do California apostille documents need translation?
Sometimes.
The receiving country or foreign office may request a translation.
The translation need should be reviewed before the packet is prepared.
Should I translate before or after the apostille?
That depends on the destination country and the receiving office.
Some requests require the original document first. Others may require a translated packet.
Reviewing this before submission can prevent wasted time.
Common Problems That Can Delay a California Apostille
- The document is not the correct type for the requested use
- The signature or seal is missing, unclear, or not accepted
- The notarization is incomplete
- The document is a scan instead of the required record type
- The country actually requires embassy legalization instead of an apostille
- The name, date, or spelling does not match related records
- The translation need was not reviewed before submission
Service Options
Self-Service Kit
This option is for clients who want guidance and plan to manage mailing, follow-up, and submission on their own.
DIY+ Pre-Submission Check
This option is for clients who prepare the packet themselves but want Apostille Global Services to review it before submission.
It helps catch common problems before the document is sent out.
Full Service Handling
This option is for clients who want Apostille Global Services to manage the process.
We help with document review, packet preparation, submission coordination, tracking, and return shipping.
Start With the Right Option