Out-of-state document apostille

Live outside California but need a California document apostilled?

Only the California Secretary of State can apostille a California record — your own state cannot do it, no matter where you live now. Mail us the certified original from any state and we file it in Sacramento, then ship it back to you with tracking. Born in California, married here, divorced here, or graduated here? This is the page for you.

Start your order online Call (408) 766-3528
All 50 states acceptedStandard from $85Certified translation availableTracked return shipping
Why it has to be California

Your state cannot apostille a California document

Every state authenticates only its own records. A Virginia, Texas or New York office will return a California birth certificate unprocessed, because the official who signed it is not registered with them. The document has to go back to California — and that is exactly what we do for you, without you flying here or guessing at the paperwork.

Birth certificates

A certified copy from a California county recorder or the California Department of Public Health — not a hospital souvenir copy or photocopy.

Marriage & divorce records

Certified marriage certificates and court-certified divorce decrees issued in California, for remarriage or residency abroad.

Death certificates

Certified California death certificates for estates, pensions and property held overseas.

Diplomas & transcripts

Degrees and transcripts from California schools, for teaching and work visas abroad.

Corporate records

California-filed incorporation documents, good standing certificates and board resolutions.

Powers of attorney & affidavits

Documents signed before a California notary, including single status affidavits for marrying abroad.

Federal documents work differently. An FBI background check, naturalization certificate or IRS letter is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State, not by any state — see federal apostille service. FBI reports need nothing mailed at all: you upload them with your order.
How it works from another state

Mail it in, we handle Sacramento

Order online

Tell us the document type, the destination country and where to ship it back. We reply with the exact total before you send anything.

Get the right copy

We tell you whether your copy qualifies first. Wrong copies are the most common reason apostilles are refused, and we would rather catch it before you post it.

Mail the original to us

Send the certified original to 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 with tracking. We check it the day it lands.

Filed and shipped back

We file with the California Secretary of State and ship the apostilled original to your address, or straight to a consulate, with tracking.

Need it translated too? Many consulates want a certified translation with the apostilled record. We add ATA-certified translation to the same order, so it comes back finished — see certified translation services.
Out-of-state apostille questions

Sending a California document from another state, answered

Can my own state apostille my California birth certificate?
No. Each state authenticates only documents issued or notarized within that state, so your Secretary of State will return a California record unprocessed. It must be apostilled by the California Secretary of State, which is what we file for you.
Do I have to come to California in person?
No. Start the order online, mail us the certified original, and we ship the apostilled document back to any state with tracking. Clients across the country use us this way precisely because they no longer live in California.
What kind of copy do I need to send?
A certified copy issued by the California county recorder, the California Department of Public Health, or the court that holds the record — with the official seal. Photocopies, laminated copies and hospital keepsake certificates are refused. Tell us what you have and we will confirm before you mail anything.
How long does it take?
Once your document is in our office, California processing is quick — same-day service is available on eligible documents received by 10 AM, and standard tiers start at $85. The variable is postage at each end, which depends on your state and the shipping you choose.
Can you ship the apostilled document straight to a consulate or overseas?
Yes. Tell us the destination on your order and we ship to a consulate, a lawyer, a family member or an overseas address, with tracking. Shipping is quoted by destination.
My document is from another state, not California. Can you help?
For Nevada documents, yes — our Las Vegas partner office files those with the Nevada Secretary of State, so see Nevada apostille. For any other state, the apostille must be issued by the state that produced the record, and we will tell you plainly rather than take the order. We handle California documents and all federal documents ourselves.

Start your California apostille from any state

Order online, mail the certified original to our San Jose office, and we ship the apostilled document back to you. English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Start your orderCall (408) 766-3528