Apostille & Legalization Services

Apostilles for U.S. Documents Used Abroad

Step-by-step help for vital records, school, court, and corporate documents so they are accepted by foreign governments, consulates, and schools in both Hague and non-Hague countries without delays or rejections.

Serving clients across California and nationwide. Same-day rush available for urgent cases. Rated 5.0 on Google based on 100+ reviews.

The Process

How the Apostille Process Works

Whether your documents need a state apostille, federal authentication, or full consular legalization, here is the general path from start to finish.

Contact Us
Tell us your documents, destination country, and deadline
Document Review
We check format, signatures, seals, and notarization for each document
Prepare & Submit
We prepare packets and submit to the correct state, federal, or consular office
Documents Returned
Apostille or legalization attached, ready for use abroad

Find Your Document

Document Type Explorer

Choose a document family to see the specific document types we handle. Tap any card for requirements, common mistakes, and a link to the full guide.

Use certified copies from the county or state vital records office • original registrar signature and seal must be visible

Birth Certificate Apostille
For dual citizenship, immigration, school enrollment abroad, or foreign government filings that require authenticated proof of birth.
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What you need:Certified copy from the county recorder or state vital records office — not a hospital souvenir or photocopy.
Common issue:Older certificates may need to be reissued. Some countries require recently dated copies.
Good to know:Each apostille is permanently attached to one document. Order enough certified copies if you need multiples.
Marriage Certificate Apostille
For marriage abroad, spousal visas, dual citizenship, and name changes requiring authenticated proof of marriage.
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What you need:Certified marriage certificate from the county recorder with registrar signature and seal clearly visible.
Common issue:Decorative ceremony certificates are not acceptable. You need the certified government-issued copy.
Good to know:Some countries also require a certified translation alongside the apostille.
Divorce Certificate Apostille
When a foreign court or civil registry needs proof of divorce for remarriage, property, or immigration matters.
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What you need:Certified divorce certificate from the county or state vital records office, with registrar signature and seal.
Common issue:Some countries require the full court decree rather than a vital records certificate. We help you determine which.
Good to know:We confirm whether you need the certificate, the decree, or both for your specific destination country.
Death Certificate Apostille
For estates, pensions, insurance claims, and property matters abroad requiring authenticated proof of death.
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What you need:Certified death certificate from the county or state vital records office with registrar signature and official seal.
Common issue:Informational copies marked "not a valid document" cannot be apostilled. You need a certified copy for legal use.
Good to know:Estate and pension matters often require multiple apostilled copies. Order extras from the vital records office.

Use certified copies from the court clerk with original seal and signature • plain file-stamped copies are often not enough

Adoption Judgment Apostille
For international adoption cases, immigration filings, or dual-citizenship applications requiring authenticated adoption judgments.
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What you need:Certified court copy of the adoption judgment with original seal and clerk certification.
Common issue:Partial packets or file-stamped copies without the clerk’s certification are frequently rejected.
Good to know:Confirm with your agency or attorney which specific orders and supporting documents must be apostilled.
Custody & Name Change Apostille
Court-ordered custody agreements and legal name changes that must be authenticated for use in another country.
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What you need:Certified copy of the court order, complete with all pages, court seal, and clerk certification.
Common issue:Online court portal printouts or partial orders without the full judgment will be rejected.
Good to know:Some countries require both the court order and an updated vital record reflecting the change.
Divorce Decree Apostille
When a foreign court needs the full divorce decree — not just a certificate — for remarriage, property, or immigration.
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What you need:Certified court copy of the complete divorce decree with clerk certification, seal, and signature.
Common issue:Summary dissolution forms or partial packets missing provisions are commonly rejected by foreign authorities.
Good to know:Some countries accept either a certificate or decree; others specifically require one. We confirm which.

State-issued certificates and notarized corporate documents • keep multi-page packets intact and in order

Articles of Incorporation Apostille
For registering your U.S. company abroad, opening foreign bank accounts, or meeting overseas due-diligence requirements.
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What you need:Certified copy from the Secretary of State, or a properly notarized copy if the state does not certify originals.
Common issue:Uncertified printouts from online business search databases cannot be apostilled.
Good to know:Foreign banks often also require a certificate of good standing alongside the articles. We can coordinate both.
Certificate of Good Standing Apostille
Proves your business is active and in compliance — commonly required by foreign banks, registries, and agencies.
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What you need:Certificate of good standing (or status letter) from the Secretary of State where the business is registered.
Common issue:Many foreign institutions prefer certificates dated within the last few months. Order a fresh copy.
Good to know:Some states call this a “certificate of status” or “certificate of existence.” We confirm the correct document.
Corporate Resolutions Apostille
Board resolutions and corporate authorizations for use with foreign courts, banks, or business registries.
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What you need:Board resolution signed by an officer and properly notarized, with clear company name, title, and notary wording.
Common issue:Unsigned drafts or documents with outdated company names or officer titles will be rejected.
Good to know:We can notarize corporate resolutions on-site and submit directly for apostille to streamline the process.

Official records from the registrar or school office • confirm whether the destination needs a transcript, diploma, or both

High School Diploma Apostille
For studying abroad, foreign employment, or immigration applications requiring proof of secondary education.
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What you need:Original diploma or a notarized copy, depending on your state and destination country.
Common issue:Lost diplomas may require a replacement or notarized affidavit of graduation before apostille.
Good to know:Some countries require both the diploma and transcripts. Confirm with the receiving institution.
College Diploma Apostille
University and college degrees for graduate programs, professional licensing, or employment abroad.
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What you need:Original diploma or notarized copy. Some states require the registrar’s signature to be notarized.
Common issue:Diplomas with printed facsimile signatures may need additional notarization steps.
Good to know:Licensing boards abroad often require both the diploma and official transcripts. We coordinate both.
High School Transcript Apostille
Official transcripts for foreign university admissions or credential evaluations.
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What you need:Official transcript from the registrar, sealed if required, or notarized copy depending on your state.
Common issue:Unofficial student copies or screenshots from online portals cannot be apostilled.
Good to know:Allow extra time for school records, especially near graduation or before new semesters.
College Transcript Apostille
Official college or university transcripts for graduate school, licensing, or employment verification abroad.
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What you need:Official transcript from the university registrar with school seal or authorized signature.
Common issue:Electronic transcripts or PDFs without original signatures often need printing and notarization first.
Good to know:Some universities will send transcripts directly to us. We can coordinate with the registrar.
Enrollment & Graduation Letters
Letters confirming enrollment status or graduation for visa applications, scholarships, or foreign requirements.
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What you need:Official letter from the registrar on school letterhead, signed and dated.
Common issue:Letters without the registrar’s original signature or marked “not valid for apostille” will be rejected.
Good to know:These letters typically need notarization before apostille since they are not state-issued records.

Must be signed in front of a notary with proper wording • apostille verifies the notary’s commission

Powers of Attorney & Notarized Documents
General and financial powers of attorney, affidavits, consent letters, and other notarized documents for use abroad.
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What you need:Original document signed in front of a notary, with complete certificate, clear seal, and correct venue.
Common issue:Incomplete notarization, missing seals, cross-outs, or inconsistent name spelling cause rejections.
Good to know:For country-specific forms, use the exact template requested by the receiving attorney or consulate before notarization.
Philippines Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
Dedicated guide for the SPA format used in Philippine real estate, banking, and legal matters.
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What you need:SPA document following Philippine format requirements, properly notarized in the U.S.
Common issue:Using a generic U.S. POA format instead of the specific Philippine SPA format expected by Philippine offices.
Good to know:Since the Philippines joined the Hague Convention, SPAs now need an apostille rather than the old red ribbon.

Authenticated through U.S. Department of State • not through a state Secretary of State

FBI Background Check Apostille
For work visas, residency permits, and immigration applications requiring an authenticated FBI identity history summary.
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What you need:Original FBI Identity History Summary in the format accepted by the U.S. Department of State.
Common issue:FBI checks have expiration dates for many countries. If too old, you may need a new one first.
Good to know:FBI checks go through the U.S. Department of State, not a state office. Processing is typically 4–8 weeks.
Federal Court Documents Apostille
U.S. federal court orders, judgments, and certified records authenticated through the Department of State.
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What you need:Certified copy from the clerk of court, with original seal and certification.
Common issue:Federal court documents follow a different path than state court documents. Wrong office causes delays.
Good to know:We confirm whether your document is state or federal and route it to the correct authentication office.
National Archives (NARA) Apostille
Historical records, military service documents, and National Archives materials for foreign legal or pension matters.
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What you need:Certified copy of the NARA record with the archivist’s certification and seal.
Common issue:Uncertified copies or records without proper NARA certification cannot be apostilled.
Good to know:NARA records are federal documents and must go through the Department of State, not a state office.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
For U.S. citizens born abroad who need their consular birth record authenticated for foreign use.
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What you need:Original or certified copy of the CRBA from the U.S. Department of State.
Common issue:CRBAs are federal documents even though they serve the same purpose as state birth certificates.
Good to know:If you need a replacement, request it from the Department of State before starting the apostille process.
Consular Report of Death Abroad
For estate, pension, or insurance matters involving a U.S. citizen who passed away outside the country.
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What you need:Original or certified copy of the Consular Report of Death from the Department of State.
Common issue:Foreign death certificates are separate documents and may also need authentication through the issuing country.
Good to know:Estate matters often require multiple authenticated documents across different countries. We help map the full list.
USCIS Naturalization & Name Change
Certificates of naturalization or citizenship and USCIS name-change records for foreign use.
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What you need:Original USCIS certificate of naturalization or citizenship. These follow the federal authentication path.
Common issue:USCIS documents cannot be photocopied for apostille. The original must be submitted, which creates risk.
Good to know:If your original was lost, request a replacement (Form N-565) before starting the apostille process.
Where Your Documents Are Going

Destination Country Explorer

Every country has its own requirements. Tap a country below to see whether you need an apostille, consular legalization, or both — plus country-specific tips.

Philippines Hague
Apostille required for SPAs, birth and marriage certificates, school records, and FBI background checks used in the Philippines.
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Process:The Philippines joined the Hague Convention in 2019. Documents now need only a standard apostille — no more red ribbon or consular authentication.
Common docs:Special Power of Attorney (SPA), birth certificate, marriage certificate, FBI background check, school transcripts and diplomas.
Watch out for:The Philippine SPA must follow a specific format. Generic U.S. powers of attorney are often rejected by Philippine registries and banks.
Mexico Hague
Apostille needed for birth and marriage certificates, court orders, and powers of attorney used for legal, property, or immigration matters in Mexico.
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Process:Mexico is a Hague Convention member. Standard state or federal apostille is accepted, depending on the document type.
Common docs:Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, and corporate documents for Mexican banks or property transactions.
Watch out for:Mexico often requires a certified Spanish translation alongside the apostilled document. Some offices are strict about translation format.
Spain Hague
Apostille required for residency applications, school enrollment, professional licensing, and business registration in Spain.
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Process:Spain is a Hague Convention member. Standard apostille is accepted.
Common docs:Birth certificates, background checks, school diplomas and transcripts, marriage certificates, and corporate documents.
Watch out for:Spain requires sworn translations (“traducción jurada”) done by a translator accredited by the Spanish government. Regular certified translations may not be accepted.
Taiwan Non-Hague
Requires full consular legalization through TECO — not a standard apostille — for documents used in Taiwan.
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Process:Taiwan is not a Hague Convention member. Documents must first be authenticated by the Secretary of State (state docs) or Department of State (federal docs), then legalized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).
Common docs:Birth certificates, marriage certificates, school diplomas and transcripts, FBI background checks, and corporate documents.
Watch out for:TECO has specific submission requirements and processing times that vary by office location. We coordinate the multi-step process for you.
Thailand Non-Hague
Requires consular legalization through the Royal Thai Embassy for documents used in Thailand.
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Process:Thailand is not a Hague member. Documents need state or federal authentication followed by legalization at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Common docs:Birth and marriage certificates, FBI background checks, powers of attorney, and corporate documents for Thai business registration or property matters.
Watch out for:The Thai Embassy may require Thai translations of documents. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the embassy workload.
Cuba Non-Hague
Requires consular legalization for documents used in Cuba, with special considerations due to diplomatic restrictions.
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Process:Cuba is not a Hague member. Documents require state or federal authentication, then legalization through Cuba’s diplomatic channels, which can be complex given the limited U.S.-Cuba consular relationship.
Common docs:Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, and death certificates for estate matters.
Watch out for:Processing paths for Cuban legalization change frequently based on the diplomatic relationship. We stay current on the latest options and timelines.

Don’t see your country? We handle documents for all Hague and non-Hague countries worldwide. Call or text us with your destination and we will walk you through the exact requirements.


Making the Choice

DIY Apostille vs. Hiring Us

You can absolutely file for an apostille yourself. Here is what that looks like compared to working with us, so you can decide what makes sense for your situation.

Doing It Yourself

  • Research which office handles your document (Secretary of State, Department of State, or a foreign consulate) and confirm current requirements.
  • Obtain the correct version of your document. Certified copies, notarized originals, and government-issued records each follow different rules.
  • Complete the application and submit by mail or in person with correct fees, return postage, and cover letters.
  • Wait for processing and hope nothing gets returned for errors, missing pages, or wrong office.
  • Good for: A single, straightforward document where you have time, don’t mind the research, and the stakes are low.

Working with Us

  • We review every document before submission to catch problems that cause rejections — wrong format, missing seals, expired notarizations, incorrect office.
  • We handle all the paperwork including applications, cover letters, correct fees, and return shipping — for state, federal, and consular filings.
  • We coordinate the full process for multi-step and multi-document orders: notarization, state authentication, federal authentication, consular legalization, and translation.
  • We keep you updated at each step and handle problems if they come up — so you are not stuck guessing.
  • Good for: Multiple documents, tight deadlines, non-Hague countries, federal documents, or anyone who just wants it done right the first time.

Realistic Expectations

How Long Does This Really Take?

Timelines depend on the type of document and which government office processes it.

State Apostille (Secretary of State)

  • Walk-in (Sacramento): Same-day if submitted before cutoff
  • Mail-in: 3–10 business days typical
  • Rush options: Same-day Sacramento walk-in available for qualifying documents

Federal Apostille (U.S. Department of State)

  • Standard mail: 4–8 weeks
  • Expedited: Available in some 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 legalization backlogs at embassies

What Speeds Things Up

  • Having correct certified copies ready before contacting us
  • Telling us your deadline upfront so we can plan the fastest route
  • Using our same-day Sacramento walk-in service for urgent state apostilles

Before You Start

Getting Your Documents Ready

Check off what you already have. We’ll walk you through anything missing when you call or text.

Your Checklist

  • Identify which documents need to be apostilled and whether they are state or federal
  • Obtain certified copies of vital records, court orders, or government-issued documents (not photocopies)
  • Check whether your documents need notarization first (private documents like POAs, affidavits, corporate resolutions)
  • Know your destination country and what they require (apostille, consular legalization, or both)
  • Know your deadline so we can plan the fastest processing route
  • Find out if a certified translation is also required by the destination country
  • Payment method ready (estimate provided when you contact us)

0 of 7 ready

Good to Know

  • We review every document before submission specifically to prevent rejections. Send us a photo or scan and we will tell you if it is ready.
  • If your document needs notarization first, we can handle that at your home or office — then submit directly for apostille.
  • For non-Hague countries, the process includes multiple steps (state authentication + consular legalization). We coordinate the full chain.
  • We accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and Square (credit/debit).
  • Not sure where to start? That’s exactly what the phone call is for. Just tell us your documents and destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apostille FAQs

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a designated government authority (usually the Secretary of State for state documents, or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents) that verifies the signature and seal on a public document so it will be accepted by officials in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

What is the difference between an apostille and consular legalization?

An apostille is a single-step verification used in Hague Convention countries. Consular legalization is a multi-step process for non-Hague countries like Taiwan, Thailand, and Cuba, requiring state or federal authentication followed by legalization at the destination country's embassy or consulate.

How much does an apostille cost?

The government filing fee for a California apostille is currently $20 per document. Our service fee covers document review, preparation, submission, and return shipping. The total depends on how many documents you have, whether any need notarization first, and whether you need state-level, federal, or consular processing. Contact us at 213 933‑2507 for an exact quote based on your documents and destination.

How long does the apostille process take?

State apostilles in California typically take 3–10 business days by mail. Federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State can take 4–8 weeks. Consular legalization adds additional time depending on the embassy. We give you a realistic timeline estimate before you commit. For urgent cases, ask about our same-day rush options.

Can you apostille documents from other states, not just California?

Yes. We handle documents issued by any U.S. state. Each document must be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where it was issued or notarized, and we coordinate that process for you regardless of the state.

Do I need to get my document notarized before getting an apostille?

It depends on the document. Vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) and court-certified copies already carry an official signature and seal, so they go directly to the Secretary of State. Private documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and corporate resolutions must be notarized first, because the apostille verifies the notary’s commission.

What if my document gets rejected?

Rejections usually happen because of incorrect notarization, missing seals, outdated records, or submitting to the wrong office. We review every document before submission specifically to prevent this. If a problem comes up, we will explain the fix and help you correct it as quickly as possible.

Do I also need a translation?

Many countries require a certified or sworn translation of your document in addition to the apostille. Some countries like Spain require a specific type of sworn translator. We can connect you with qualified translators or coordinate with our translation services to ensure the translation meets your destination country’s requirements.

Can I mail you my documents?

Yes. Many of our clients are outside California or prefer to mail documents rather than meet in person. We will walk you through secure shipping options and confirm everything by phone, text, or email before you send anything.

What areas do you serve?

We are based in Los Angeles and serve clients across California and nationwide. For notarization appointments, we travel to homes and offices across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. For apostille and legalization services, we work with clients in any state — documents can be mailed or dropped off.


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Contact & Scheduling

Ready to Get Started?

Book your apostille service and we'll handle the coordination with the Secretary of State, Department of State, or consulate.

Book a call or visit

  • Book online through our Square scheduling page.
  • Let us know your documents, destination country, and deadline.
  • We'll confirm pricing, timeline, and next steps.

Call or text

  • Call or text with questions about documents, countries, or pricing.
  • Standard hours: 9:00 am–8:00 pm, 7 days a week.
  • For urgent apostilles, let us know so we can prioritize.

Send a quick message


Ready to schedule your appointment? Call or text, book online, use our same-day rush, or start a translation coordination.