What document do you have?
Birth or marriage certificate, diploma, transcript, court order, FBI report, business filing, power of attorney, or something else.
Apostille & Document Legalization
Apostille Help for U.S. Documents Used Abroad.
We prepare vital records, court orders, school records, business filings, federal documents, and powers of attorney for use in another country — with documents reviewed before submission to help prevent rejections.
Fastest way to start: text us your document type, destination country, and deadline. If you are outside our mobile service area, start a mail-in apostille order online.
- State, federal & consular routes
- Rush and same-day state options
- Mail-in clients welcome
Document Pre-Review
We check format, seals, and notarization before submission.
State, Federal & Consular
Hague apostille and non-Hague legalization paths.
Mail-In Welcome
Start online, ship from anywhere in the U.S., and track your order.
Insured & Bonded
$100,000 Errors & Omissions insurance plus a $15,000 California Notary bond — protection your documents deserve when they travel to consulates.
Start here
Three quick questions and you'll know what to do next.
Most apostille work comes down to three things: what document, where it's going, and when you need it. Get the answers and the rest gets much simpler.
What country is it going to?
Hague-Convention countries usually need one apostille. Non-Hague countries typically need authentication plus consular legalization.
When do you need it?
For qualifying California state documents, we offer same-day Apostille service here in Los Angeles. Federal Apostilles run weeks, not days. Tell us your deadline so we can plan the fastest route.
Not sure? Text us a photo or scan. If you already know you want to mail documents in, start the online order and we will track the workflow from intake to return shipping.
Apostille Services
Pick the document family that matches yours.
Start with the document family that best matches your paperwork. Each guide explains what counts as a valid original, where it gets apostilled, and what tends to go wrong before submission.
Vital Records
Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates issued by California or another U.S. state.
Court Documents
Adoption decrees, custody and name-change orders, divorce judgments, and other court-issued records.
School & Academic Documents
Diplomas, transcripts, and enrollment or graduation letters for use abroad.
Business & Corporate Documents
Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, board resolutions, and corporate filings.
Notarized Documents Apostille
Powers of attorney, affidavits, consent-to-travel letters, copy certifications, and other notarized personal documents prepared for foreign use.
Federal Documents
FBI background checks, USCIS records, federal court documents, NARA records, and consular reports.
Destination countries
Choose the country where the document will be used.
Country matters because Hague Convention countries usually follow the apostille route, while non-Hague countries usually require additional authentication and consular legalization.
Usually apostille route
Hague Convention countries
These destinations commonly follow the standard apostille path, depending on document type and issuing authority.
Usually legalization route
Non-Hague countries
These destinations often need extra steps beyond the apostille path, including authentication and consular legalization.
If your country is not listed, call or text (213) 933-2507 with the destination country, document type, and deadline.
The process
How an apostille order works with us.
Whether your documents need a state apostille, federal authentication, or full consular legalization, the path is the same four steps.
Tell us the basics
Document type, destination country, and deadline — by call, text, or booking note.
We review the document
Format, seals, signatures, and notarization checked before anything is submitted.
We submit & track
State Secretary, U.S. Department of State, or consulate — whichever your case requires.
You get the originals back
Apostille or legalization attached, returned by secure mail or courier.
Making the choice
DIY apostille vs. hiring us.
You can absolutely file yourself. Here is what changes when you do versus when we handle it.
Best for one simple document with time on your side
- You research which office handles your document and current requirements.
- You obtain the correct certified copy or notarized original.
- You complete the application, fees, return postage, and cover letters.
- You wait, and hope nothing comes back for missing seals or wrong office.
Best for tight deadlines, multiple documents, or non-Hague countries
- We pre-review every document to catch what causes rejections.
- We handle applications, cover letters, fees, and return shipping for state, federal, and consular paths.
- We coordinate multi-step orders (notary → state → federal → consulate → translation).
- We update you at each step and resolve issues if anything bounces.
Realistic expectations
How long does this really take?
Timelines depend on which government office processes your document and whether the destination country needs consular legalization on top.
State Apostille (CA Secretary of State)
- Same-day service: same-day Apostille available for qualifying California documents.
- Next-day service: standard for most California state Apostilles when time allows.
- Multi-document orders: we batch and coordinate the fastest route for you.
Federal apostille (U.S. Department of State)
- Standard mail: 4-8 weeks.
- Expedited: available in limited cases for additional fees.
What slows things down
- Wrong document format or missing notarization.
- Submitting to the wrong office (state vs. federal).
- Outdated records that need to be reissued.
- Consular backlogs at non-Hague embassies.
What speeds things up
- Having certified copies ready before contact.
- Telling us your deadline up front.
- Choosing our same-day Apostille service for urgent California documents.
Before you start
Getting your documents ready.
A short checklist that prevents most rejections. We’ll walk through anything you’re missing when you call or text.
- Identify whether each document is state-issued or federal.
- Obtain certified copies of vital records and court orders — not photocopies.
- Notarize private documents (POAs, affidavits, resolutions) before apostille submission.
- Confirm whether your destination country is Hague or non-Hague.
- Lock in your deadline so we can plan the fastest processing route.
- Check whether a certified or sworn translation is required.
- Have a payment method ready — we provide a clear estimate up front.
Free Reference Library
Free Copies of Common Forms We Notarize for Apostille
Consulate and California templates for documents we frequently see used with Apostilles. Reference only — we are not attorneys and do not draft, complete, or advise on the content of these forms. Once your form is completed and ready to sign, we can notarize it in person anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange, or Ventura Counties.
Apostille FAQ
Common questions about apostille and legalization.
Do I need an apostille or consular legalization?
It depends on the destination country. Hague Apostille Convention countries usually accept a single apostille from the correct state or federal office. Non-Hague countries typically require state or federal authentication followed by consular legalization at the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
Can I use a photocopy of my document?
Usually no. Most apostille offices require certified copies of vital records, original government-issued documents, or properly notarized originals. Plain photocopies are typically rejected.
What is the fastest way to know what I need?
Call or text (213) 933-2507 with three things: your document type, the destination country, and your deadline. We’ll confirm whether you need a state apostille, federal apostille, or consular legalization before you book.
How long does an apostille take?
For qualifying California state documents, we offer same-day and next-day Apostille service. Federal Apostilles from the U.S. Department of State typically take 4-8 weeks, with limited expedited options. Consular legalization timelines vary by country. Contact us with your document type and deadline for an exact turnaround. For background on our service and Apostille experience, visit our about page.
Do you handle translations too?
When the destination country requires a certified or sworn translation alongside the apostille, we can coordinate it in the right sequence so everything arrives in the format the receiving authority expects. Translation is supporting work for an apostille order rather than a standalone service.
Do I need to be in Los Angeles to work with you?
No. We help clients across California and from other U.S. states by mail. You can ship documents to us and we return them by secure courier after apostille or legalization.
Client reviews
Trusted by clients with deadlines that can’t slip.
Many apostille clients come from referrals and repeat business who value clear communication, document review before submission, and prompt follow-through.