Straight
answers.
The questions people otherwise need to call around or search five websites to answer — in one place, in plain English.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a standardized certification that authenticates the signature of a public official or notary on a document, so that document can be recognized in another country that's part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
What does an apostille actually verify?
It verifies three things: the signature on the document is genuine, the person who signed acted in an official capacity, and the seal or stamp on the document is authentic. It does not verify the contents of the document.
Is an apostille the same thing as notarization?
No. Notarization is performed by a notary public on a document. An apostille is issued by a designated authority (in California, the Secretary of State) and authenticates a notary's or public official's signature for international use. A document often needs to be notarized before it can be apostilled.
Who issues apostilles in California?
The California Secretary of State issues apostilles for documents originating in California. The U.S. Department of State handles federal documents.
Does the issuing authority depend on the document?
Yes. California-issued documents are authenticated by the California Secretary of State, while qualifying federal documents are authenticated by the U.S. Department of State. The correct authority depends on which official signed or certified the document. Countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require a different authentication and additional embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille.
Does an apostille validate the contents of my document?
No. An apostille confirms the signature, the capacity of the signer, and the seal or stamp — not what the document says. It does not certify that the document's contents are accurate.
What documents can be apostilled?
California-issued vital records, court documents, notarized documents, educational records (like diplomas and transcripts), and certain business and legal documents — provided they bear the signature of a California public official or a California notary.
Do I need the original document?
Usually yes. Most apostilles require an original ink-signed document or a certified copy. Some documents, like vital records, require a certified copy from the issuing authority.
Can a photocopy be apostilled?
A plain photocopy generally cannot be apostilled on its own. A notarized copy of a document (where a notary has certified the copy) may be apostilled, but requirements vary by destination and document type.
Can you apostille a diploma?
Yes. Diplomas from California institutions can be apostilled, though most require notarization or registrar certification first. Procedures vary by university.
Can you apostille a university transcript?
Yes. Transcripts can be apostilled, but they usually need notarization of the registrar's signature first. An electronic transcript often does not qualify — a paper transcript with the registrar's signature is typically required.
Does my diploma or transcript have to be notarized first?
In most cases, yes. A university registrar's signature usually needs to be notarized before the California Secretary of State will issue an apostille. Each university handles this differently.
Can an electronic transcript be apostilled?
Often not. Many destinations require an original ink-signed paper document, and an electronic transcript frequently cannot be notarized in the form an apostille requires. A transcript already produced through a platform like Parchment, or already in your possession, may not qualify for a university's notarization process.
Can California apostille a document issued by another state?
No. California can only apostille documents issued in California or notarized by a California notary. Documents from other states must be apostilled by that state's authority.
Can you apostille a California birth certificate?
Yes. A certified California birth certificate can be apostilled. We confirm the certified copy is the correct, current format accepted for apostille.
Can you apostille a marriage certificate?
Yes. A certified California marriage certificate can be apostilled. We verify the certified copy and the issuing official.
Can someone submit my apostille for me?
Yes. You do not need to appear in person. Inkcredible can submit eligible documents to the California Secretary of State on your behalf, and we coordinate pickup and return.
Do I need to appear in person?
No. Most apostille processing does not require you to appear in person. We handle submission and return for you.
What country information do you need?
We need to know the country where the document will be used. The destination country drives the requirements — some need extra steps beyond a standard apostille, and a few are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention and need a longer legalization process.
How long does a California apostille take?
It depends on the California Secretary of State, the issuing institution, and the document type. We don't imply guaranteed timelines. Rush options exist for eligible documents when availability allows.
Is same-day apostille service available?
Same-day service is not guaranteed. For eligible documents, dedicated in-person rush processing may be available depending on the document type and current availability. We assess eligibility before you commit.
How much does California charge for an apostille?
California charges $20 per apostille. For in-person submissions, California also charges a $6 special-handling fee for each different public official's signature authenticated. Government fees are subject to change.
What is included in Inkcredible's service fee?
Our service fee covers document review, preparation and processing coordination, the $20 California Secretary of State apostille fee, and tracked shipping to and from the Secretary of State.
Can my completed document be shipped internationally?
Yes. We offer domestic and international tracked return shipping. You select the delivery method.
Do you provide translation services?
Translation is a separate service from apostille. Some destinations require a certified translation alongside the apostille. We'll flag when a translation is needed and can discuss options.
What happens if my document is not ready for apostille?
We tell you what's missing — for example, notarization, a certified copy, or a different document format — and coordinate the preparation steps needed before the document can be apostilled.
Can you review my document before I send the original?
Yes. After initial contact, we provide secure document-review instructions so we can confirm what you have and what's needed before you send the original.
Is Inkcredible affiliated with the California Secretary of State?
No. Inkcredible is an independent document-processing service and is not affiliated with the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State.
Is Inkcredible affiliated with SDSU, USD, UCSD or another university?
No. Inkcredible is an independent document-processing service, not affiliated with or endorsed by San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, UC San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, California State University San Marcos, or any other educational institution.
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