Key Facts
- To obtain an apostille in Los Angeles, visit the Ronald Reagan Building for in-person services or use mail for a simpler process.
- The standard fee for an apostille is $20 per document, with an additional $6 for each different official's signature in-person.
- Mail-in requests only incur the $20 fee, avoiding the $6 special handling charge applicable to in-person requests.
- Mobile and concierge services offer expedited options, starting around $150, with same-day services available for higher fees.
- Payment methods at the LA office include credit cards and checks; cash is not accepted for apostille services.
If you’re planning to use official documents internationally—such as birth certificates, business records, or legal affidavits—you’ll likely need an apostille. In California, this is handled by the Secretary of State. For residents of Los Angeles, the Ronald Reagan Building (300 South Spring Street, Suite 12513) is your go‑to for in‑person apostille services. (quikdocsnotary.com, California Secretary of State)
Here’s the official fee breakdown from the Secretary of State:
- $20.00 per Apostille (per document) (California Secretary of State)
- Additional $6.00 special handling fee for each different public official’s signature being authenticated—only for in‑person requests (California Secretary of State)
What Does That Mean?
| Scenario | Cost Breakdown |
| 1 document, 1 official | $20 + $6 = $26 |
| 2 documents, same official | (2 × $20) + $6 = $46 |
| 5 documents, 5 different officials | (5 × $20) + (5 × $6) = $130 |
Note: The $6 special handling fee does not apply to apostille requests submitted by mail. Only the standard $20 per document fee is charged in that case. (California Secretary of State)
Walk-In vs Mail: Choosing Your Apostille Method
In-Person at the LA Office
- Same‑day service available—just “take‑a‑number” upon arrival. No appointment needed. (California Secretary of State)
- Payment methods: Credit card (Visa, Mastercard), check, or money order. Cash is not accepted at the LA office. (California Secretary of State)
- Remember your cover sheet indicating the destination country; you can pre‑print or fill one out on-site. (California Secretary of State)
Mail-In Option
- Only the $20 per document fee applies; no $6 special handling. (California Secretary of State)
- Include a check or money order (payable to Secretary of State), return envelope, and prepaid postage or a tracking label if required. (California Notary Public Resources)
Third-Party Apostille Services in Los Angeles: What to Expect
Clients often opt for convenience and turnaround speed by using expedited or concierge apostille services. Here’s a snapshot of available alternatives:
Mobile or Concierge Services
- Companies like Apostille Southern California offer “same-day” service in LA:
- $375+: Includes all state fees, courier pick‑up/drop‑off, notarized signatures, parking, and wait time. (Apostille Southern California)
- Additional documents filed concurrently: $150 each. (Apostille Southern California)
- Garage and courier logistics are part of the package, ideal if you’re pressed for time. (Apostille Southern California)
- Quik Docs Mobile Notary offers apostille services starting at $150, covering mobile notary and apostille services in LA. Pricing varies; travel fees and bulk discounts are also available. (quikdocsnotary.com)
- Rush In Documentation:
- Standard (up to 5 business days): $165, including government fee.
- Next‑day (up to 48 hours): $265, including government fee. (rushindocumentation.com)
Online & Expedited Portals
- Globeia provides apostille services with:
- Normal service: Starting at $185.
- Expedited: Starting at $290.
- Includes the $20 state fee. (Globeia, rushindocumentation.com)
- MobileCaliforniaApostille lists variable pricing depending on service level (mail, expedited, etc.), typically ranging from $229 to $457+ depending on urgency and chain-of-certification needs. (Mobile Apostille Services)
Summary: How Much Will Your Apostille Cost?
| Method | What’s Included | Estimated Cost |
| Do‑It‑Yourself (LA In‑Person) | $20/document + $6 per official (in‑person only) | $26 minimum |
| Mail‑In via Secretary of State | $20/document only | $20/document |
| Mobile Concierge Service | All fees, courier, notary, fast turnaround | $150 – $400+ |
| Online/Portal Service | Courier, processing, expedited options | $185 – $457+ |
Recommendations & Internal Links
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we understand you value speed, professionalism, and transparent pricing. Our own mobile notary and LiveScan fingerprinting services could complement an apostille process—especially when documents need notarization before apostille. If you’re interested in how our mobile notary or LiveScan services pair with apostille workflows, check out our pages:
Combining services can streamline the process and reduce total turnaround time—contact us for a personalized quote!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is cash accepted for apostille services at the LA office?
No—cash is not accepted at the Los Angeles Secretary of State office. Accepted methods include Visa, Mastercard, check, or money order. (California Secretary of State, California Notary Public Resources, Globeia, quikdocsnotary.com, Anshin Mobile Notary & LiveScan)
Q2: Is the special handling fee avoidable?
Yes—for mail-in requests, only the $20 per document fee applies; the $6 in-person special handling fee does not apply. (California Secretary of State)
Q3: Can someone else submit my documents in person?
Absolutely. Anyone can submit documents and pick them up—even if you’re not related to the person named in the documents. (California Secretary of State)
Q4: How much does mobile or concierge apostille service cost?
Rates vary:
- Standard mobile (LA) starts around $150. (quikdocsnotary.com)
- Same-day concierge services are around $375+, with additional docs at $150 each. (Apostille Southern California)
- Next-day services from agencies like Rush In Documentation start at $265. (rushindocumentation.com)
Q5: How long does it take to get an apostille in person vs mail?
In-person at the LA office can be same-day (based on caseload). Mail-in processing depends on current backlog—refer to the Secretary of State’s processing times page for the most up-to-date status. (California Secretary of State)
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an apostille in Los Angeles can be as straightforward—or as involved—as you’d like. For the budget-conscious, the $20 + $6 (per official) in-person method offers speed and low cost. For convenience and urgency, mobile or portal-based services—while more expensive—offer flexibility and peace of mind.
At Anshin Mobile Notary and LiveScan, we’re happy to support your apostille journey—whether through notarization, expedited coordination, or fingerprinting. Reach out for a streamlined, client-centered experience that keeps quality and efficiency front and center.
