If you are planning to study, work, or travel abroad, you may be contacted to present authenticated documents for different reasons. An apostille is one way to authenticate a document in a foreign country. In California, the Secretary of State is the official government authority responsible for issuing an apostille to authenticate important documents. In this guide, we will provide an overview of a California apostille service, including what they are, how to get them, and what documents can be apostilled.
What is a California Apostille Service?
An apostille is a certificate with the document that authenticates it for use in foreign countries. An apostille is a way to verify the authenticity of a document through its signature, seal, or stamp. The apostille in California is only available from the Secretary of State’s office and is used to authenticate only public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, articles of incorporation, and other legal documents.
How to get an apostille in California?
To get an apostille in California, you need to follow several steps. First, you need to determine which documents require an apostille. Once you have identified the documents, you need to request authentication by mail or in person from the California Secretary of State’s office. If you choose to submit your request by mail, you must include the original document, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. In-person requests are also ok, but you must make an appointment and present a valid government-issued identification to receive the apostille.
What documents require an apostille in California?
The California Secretary of State’s office issues apostilles for public documents that have been signed, sealed, or stamped by a California official. Some examples of documents that require an apostille include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, adoption records, and more. The California Secretary of State’s office does not authenticate private documents, such as bank statements or diplomas. For the apostille to be valid, the document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the appropriate authority.
How much does an apostille in California cost?
The cost of an apostille in California varies depending on the type of document and the method of processing. The standard processing time for an apostille is 20 business days and the cost is $20 per document. Expedited processing is also available for an additional fee. The fee for same-day processing is $26 per document, and for 24-hour processing, the fee is $35 per document. It is important to note that these fees apply to the authentication process only. And do not cover the cost of obtaining a copy of the document.
In conclusion, obtaining an apostille in California requires specific steps and can be a confusing process. However, it is important to follow all proper procedures. And guidelines to ensure that your documents have official authentication for use abroad. Being aware of which documents require an apostille, and how to obtain them. And how much they cost can be helpful in saving you time and money. With this complete guide to California apostille services, you can be confident in obtaining your necessary documents for international use.