Apostille Services in Sacramento: Complete Guide

What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One?

An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country. If you need to present U.S. documents abroad, you almost certainly need one.

The Hague Convention of 1961 established the apostille system so that member countries recognize each other's documents without going through lengthy embassy verification. Over 120 countries participate, including Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, and most of Latin America.

Common documents that need apostilles include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, academic diplomas, power of attorney documents, and business incorporation papers. Even certain DMV documents may require an apostille if they are being used internationally. Many of these documents also require notarization before the apostille can be issued.

Who Issues Apostilles in California?

The California Secretary of State's office issues all apostilles for California documents. There are offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Sacramento office: 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Before submitting any document for apostille, it must be either an original government-issued document or a notarized copy. This is where working with a certified notary first saves you time and prevents rejection.

Step-by-Step Apostille Process in Sacramento

Step 1: Notarize Your Document

Most documents need notarization before an apostille can be issued. A notary verifies your identity and certifies the signature on the document. California charges $15 per notarized signature.

Step 2: Submit to the Secretary of State

Once notarized, you submit the document to the Secretary of State with the $20 fee per document. You can do this in person (same-day service) or by mail (5 to 10 business days).

Step 3: Receive Your Apostille

The Secretary of State attaches the apostille certificate to your document. This certifies that the notary or official who signed it is legitimate.

Step 4: Use Your Document Abroad

The apostille makes your document legally recognized in any Hague Convention country. No embassy stamp or further verification required.

Common Documents That Require Apostilles

Personal documents: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers

Legal documents: Power of attorney, wills, affidavits, court orders

Educational documents: Diplomas, transcripts, letters of enrollment

Business documents: Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, commercial invoices

Countries That Accept Apostilles

Over 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is on the list, an apostille is all you need. No embassy visit required.

Some of the most common destinations for Sacramento clients include Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and India.

If your destination country is NOT a member of the Hague Convention, you will need embassy or consulate legalization instead. This is a different process that typically takes longer and costs more. Countries that require legalization include Canada, China, and several Middle Eastern nations.

Not sure which process your country requires? Call me at (415) 948-9967 and I will help you figure it out before you spend any money.

Why Work With a Bilingual Notary for Apostilles

Navigating the apostille process in a second language adds unnecessary stress. As a bilingual notary serving Sacramento's Spanish-speaking community, I help clients understand every step in English or Spanish.

I verify that your documents are prepared correctly before submission, which prevents the most common reason for rejection: improper notarization. A rejected apostille costs you time and money.

I also help clients who need certified translations alongside their apostille, so everything is ready when you arrive in your destination country.

How Much Does the Full Apostille Process Cost?

Service	Cost
Notarization (per signature)	$15
Secretary of State apostille fee (per document)	$20
Mobile notary travel fee (if applicable)	Varies
Certified translation (if needed)	Varies

For most clients, the total cost for a single document is $35 to $50 before any translation fees.

Ready to Get Your Apostille?

Call or text me to discuss your documents. I work with clients across Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and the surrounding areas. As a mobile notary, I can notarize your documents at your home, office, or any convenient location.

Call (415) 948-9967 or book online to get started with your apostille.