Every document
has a route.
Different documents need different preparation before they can be apostilled — and the issuing authority depends on the document. Here's what we handle for California and federal documents, and what happens at each step, in plain English.
California Apostilles
For eligible California-issued, certified, and notarized documents. Processed through the California Secretary of State.
Browse California document typesFederal apostillesFederal Apostilles
For eligible federally issued documents, including FBI background checks and certain records issued by federal agencies. Processed through the U.S. Department of State.
See federal apostille servicesBirth Certificates
- What is this?
- Apostille of certified California birth records for international use.
- Who typically needs it?
- People applying for dual citizenship, residency, immigration or family matters abroad.
- What happens next?
- We confirm the certified copy is the correct, current format accepted for apostille.
Marriage Certificates
- What is this?
- Apostille of certified California marriage certificates for international use.
- Who typically needs it?
- Couples handling overseas residency, citizenship, name-change or spousal matters.
- What happens next?
- We verify the certified copy and the issuing official so the apostille is accepted abroad.
Death Certificates
- What is this?
- Apostille of certified California death records for international use.
- Who typically needs it?
- Families managing estates, inheritance and international administrative matters.
- What happens next?
- We confirm the certified copy and issuing official before submission.
Notarized Documents
- What is this?
- Apostille of documents already notarized by a California notary public — affidavits, sworn statements, powers of attorney.
- Who typically needs it?
- Anyone with a properly notarized California document needing international recognition.
- What happens next?
- We confirm the notary's commission is current and the notarization is correct.
Business & Legal Documents
- What is this?
- Apostille of articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, court records and contracts.
- Who typically needs it?
- Companies expanding internationally and individuals with California legal filings.
- What happens next?
- We identify whether certification, notarization or a certified copy is required first.
Education Documents
- What is this?
- Apostille of diplomas, transcripts and academic records from California educational institutions.
- Who typically needs it?
- Graduates pursuing international employment, study, licensing or credential verification.
- What happens next?
- We coordinate the registrar and notarization steps each institution requires.
Working with a deadline?
See our rush apostille options for time-sensitive documents.
What an apostille
does — and doesn't — do.
An apostille authenticates the signature of a public official (California or federal, depending on the document) or a notary, and the seal or stamp on a document. It lets another country recognize that signature as genuine.
It does not verify the contents of the document, make the document valid in the destination country, or translate the document. Some destinations also require a certified translation or additional embassy legalization — we'll flag that up front.