California Apostilles – Notary San Rafael
Focus on your own To Do list while I process the complicated California apostille paperwork on your behalf with the Secretary of State in Sacramento. Notary San Rafael brings this convenience right to your door with hassle-free mobile notary & apostille experience for businesses and individuals throughout Marin county.
What Is An Apostille?”
An Apostille (pronounced “ah-po-steel”) is an official acknowledgment issued by the Secretary of State that proves the authenticity of a notary’s signature and seal. Apostilles are required for documents destined for use in a foreign country that abides by the Hague Convention. The document is the proof that the notary or public official who witnessed the signer’s signature is legitimate and is in good standing with the state government.
The Apostille or Certification does not validate the contents or the signers of the document. Apostilles only certify to the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. The Apostille itself is a full page embossed certificate. It is permanently attached to your notarized document. Removing the staples is forbidden.
The California Secretary of State authenticates signatures only on documents issued in the State of California signed by either a California notary public or the following California public officials and their deputies:
- County Clerks or Recorders
- Court Administrators of the Superior Court
- Executive Clerks of the Superior Court
- Officers whose authority is not limited to any particular county
- Judges or Executive Officers of the Superior Court
- State Officials
Generally speaking, official signatures must be “wet ink” (written in pen). Photocopied signatures and faxed or stamped signatures are not acceptable for authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is This Going to Take? …. And How Much Money?
For California documents, you can expect to receive your paperwork in 5’ish business days. The cost is $185 for the first document plus $26 state fees. Each additional document is $85. The price includes US priority mail return shipping to you. Your package will be trackable both going to and returning from Sacramento. From years of experience working with the Secretary of State, this is the best way to guarantee the success of your paperwork.
Deliveries to overseas destinations can be arranged; there is an additional fee for international priority shipping, or you can provide the shipping label.
Please call to discuss your specific situation (415) 686-6613.
How do I get Federal documents including my FBI Background Check completed?
For Federal FBI background checks and other Dept of State documents: this paperwork must be processed through the US Department of State’s Authentication Office in Washington, D.C. This process is much slower because the State Department requires more time to process documents.
Pricing for FBI background checks begins at $200. Please call to discuss pricing and your specific needs (415) 686-6613.
Which Documents Require an Apostille?
This is between you and the receiving entity. Some examples of documents submitted for authentications are:
- Powers of Attorney
- Corporate documents – articles, mergers, amendments, powers of attorney, by-laws, etc.
- School records – diplomas, transcripts, letters relating to degrees, etc.
- Birth Certificates and other Vital Records
- Marriage Licenses
- Adoption paperwork
- Proof of residence
- References and Job Certifications
- Trademarks
How Do I Begin?
The process is easy. First we meet to complete the notarization of your documents. Please print and complete the Apostille Request form HERE. Then, once all your documents are ready to be authenticated, I will manage the process. Your completed paperwork will be sent to you directly from the Secretary of State.
California apostilles can be complicated. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the California Apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork can easily be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
I am sending my document to CHINA…. what do I do?
To submit an authenticated document to China, you typically take your completed and authenticated paperwork from the California Secretary of State to the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco for their own authentication process.
Click here for their general guidelines which includes a link to their application form.