We offer an expedited Apostille processing service for residents of San Diego county. 

 

For a quote call:  (760) 231-6498, OR email: info@jcclex.com

3-5 business day turnaround: $159

2-3 Business days: $349

Same or next day : $549

What are Apostilles

In California, the Secretary of State issues apostilles to authenticate signatures on documents intended for use outside the United States (in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention or otherwise).

An apostille verifies that a California public official's signature (or a notary's) on the document is genuine, but it does not verify the content or accuracy of the document itself.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a California apostille, the document must meet one of these criteria

It is an original certified document issued by a California public official (e.g., county clerk/recorder, court clerk, state registrar, or other officials whose signatures are on file with the Secretary of State).

• It is an original document notarized in California by a commissioned California notary public (with proper notarial wording).

Important restrictions:

 Photocopies, scanned copies, or uncertified duplicates are not accepted.

The document must be for international use only (not for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico).

For some vital records or court documents, you may first need a certified copy from the issuing agency (e.g., county recorder or court).

Common Documents Eligible for Apostille

Here are the main categories and examples that are routinely apostilled in California:

• Vital Records (Personal Status Documents):
• Birth certificates (certified copies issued by the California Department of Public Health or county recorder)
• Marriage certificates/licenses
• Death certificates
• Divorce decrees/judgments (certified copies from the court)

Educational Documents:

• Diplomas and degrees
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of completion or enrollment verification
• School records (often requiring notarization of a school official's signature first)

Court and Legal Documents:

• Powers of attorney (notarized)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Court judgments or orders (certified by the court clerk)
• Adoption papers
• Custody orders or other family law documents (when court-certified)

Business and Corporate Documents:

Articles of incorporation

Certificates of good standing

Corporate bylaws, resolutions, mergers, or amendments

Business licenses or permits

Commercial contracts, agreements, or deeds of assignment

Trademarks or patents (related filings)

 

Other Notarized Documents:

 

Consent to travel letters (e.g., for minors)

Letters of reference or job certifications

Authorization letters

Wills or estate-related affidavits (when properly notarized or certified)

 

Documents That Typically Do NOT Qualify Directly

Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks, U.S. passports, or IRS forms) — these go through the U.S. Department of State.

Documents issued outside California.

Uncertified photocopies or altered documents.

Anything without a verifiable California public official or notary signature.

 

How to Proceed

 

Obtain the proper original or certified version of your document (contact the issuing county recorder, court, school, or notary as needed).

For some items (like school transcripts), you may need to get them notarized first by a California notary.

Submit to the California Secretary of State by mail (Sacramento office), in person (Sacramento or Los Angeles offices), or at occasional "Apostille Pop-Up Shops."