What is an apostille, and do I need one?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a document for use in another country. If you're using a U.S. document abroad for immigration, education, marriage, business, or residency, you likely need one.

How much does an apostille cost?

$150 per document. This includes the state filing fee and standard return shipping.

Do you offer rush processing?

Yes, rush processing is available for +$50. Rush shipping is priced separately based on your order size and confirmed with you before anything is charged.

How long does the process take?

Standard processing takes about 4–5 business days once we've received your documents. Rush processing takes 1–3 business days. Because apostilles are issued through the California Secretary of State, they can only be processed on weekdays. Weekends and state holidays don't count toward turnaround time.

What states do you handle apostilles for?

We currently handle California apostilles only. If your document needs to go through a different state or requires federal-level authentication (such as an FBI background check), we're happy to point you toward trusted services that can help.

How do I get started?

Reach out and let us know what documents you need apostilled. We'll review the details, answer any questions, and send you a personalized quote by email: no online forms or guesswork required.

Why isn't there an online order form?

Every document is a little different, and getting it right the first time matters more than speed. We review each order personally to make sure your documents meet requirements before anything is submitted so you're not stuck waiting on a rejected filing.

What if I have documents in a language other than English?

We accept documents in other languages, but as per California requirements, the notarization must be in English. If your country requires translation after the apostille, we can help connect you with a translator.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Your documents and personal information are handled securely and only used to complete your apostille request.

Which countries accept apostilles?
Apostilles are recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, over 125 countries. If your destination country isn't a member, your document would need a different process (consular legalization) instead of an apostille.

What documents can be apostilled?
Common eligible documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, powers of attorney, court orders, corporate filings, and academic records. Generally, only documents originating in California qualify for a California apostille. Documents issued in other states need to go through that state's Secretary of State instead.

Can I submit a photocopy?
No, photocopies and expired notary commissions are common reasons apostille requests are rejected. Documents typically need original signatures, not copies.

Does the apostille expire?
The apostille itself doesn't expire, but some receiving institutions or countries only accept apostilles issued within a certain window (commonly referencing that the underlying certification date should be recent). It's worth checking with your receiving institution if timing matters.

What's the difference between an apostille and a notarization?
Notarization happens first. A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. The apostille is a separate, later step where the Secretary of State verifies that the notary was legitimate, making the notarized document valid for use internationally.

My document needs to go to a non-Hague country. What happens?
Non-Hague countries don't accept apostilles; they require a different process called consular legalization, which typically involves additional authentication through that country's embassy or consulate.