California Apostille or US Department of State Apostille? Apostille Answers
“Do I need an Apostille, or a Notary? If I need an Apostille, is it state or federal?”
Answers to Apostille questions can be difficult to find. This is because some don’t really understand the apostille process, or worse, seek to obfuscate the apostille process.
An apostille may be issued by either the State, or Federal government. Do you need a State of California Apostille, or a US Department of State Apostille? The time and cost for each of these are different so you need to know in advance which you need.
Also, note that you will need a federally issued document to obtain a US Department of State Apostille.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apostille Basics
What is an apostille and why might I need one?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued by the Secretary of State to certify the legitimacy of a public document. It’s often required for international use—such as birth certificates, power of attorney, or notarized documents—under the Hague Apostille Convention. Learn more on our Apostille Services page.
Which documents can be apostilled?
Documents eligible for an apostille include notarized affidavits, birth or death certificates, marriage licenses, school transcripts, and more. All documents must originate from the same U.S. state in which the apostille is being requested.
How do I get a document apostilled in California?
First, ensure the document is properly notarized or issued by a California authority. Then, submit it to the California Secretary of State. We can handle this process for you—see our California Apostille page for help with preparation and delivery.
How long does it take to get an apostille?
Processing times vary. In California, standard processing through the Secretary of State may take 1–2 weeks. With our apostille courier service, we can expedite the process significantly—often completing it in 1–3 business days.
Can I get an apostille for a document issued in another state?
No. Apostilles must be obtained from the state where the document was issued. If you need help with a multi-state request, we offer nationwide apostille coordination—contact us for details.
Does notarization mean a document is ready for an apostille?
Not necessarily. Notarization is often the first step, but the document must be properly worded and conform to Secretary of State requirements. We can review your notarized documents before submission to ensure they’re apostille-ready.
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