Portland, Oregon · Nationwide Service
California Apostille Service
Get Your California Document Accepted Abroad
PDX Fingerprinting prepares your California document, submits it to the California Secretary of State, and returns it with the apostille attached, ready for use in Hague Convention countries. We work from Portland, Oregon and serve clients nationwide.
✓ Nationwide Service ✓ Portland, Oregon ✓ Call (503) 212-0678
What Is a California Apostille?
A California apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that confirms the signature, official capacity, and seal on a California public document. Countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention accept the document without further embassy legalization. An apostille is valid only for use outside the United States.
What a California Apostille Looks Like
This sample is a California apostille on a document certified by a County Clerk-Recorder (Ventura County). The California Secretary of State issues it in Sacramento, and the apostille itself points to the Secretary of State’s online apostille search so a foreign office can verify it. Click the sample to enlarge.
Documents We Apostille for California
- Birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates
- Notarized documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and consent letters
- Business and corporate documents
- Court-certified documents
Requirements differ by document type. Call (503) 212-0678 and we will confirm what your document needs.
What to Know About California Apostilles
- County-issued documents are certified by the County Clerk-Recorder, and the Secretary of State then apostilles that signature.
- California apostilles can be verified online through the Secretary of State’s apostille search.
- Apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State in Sacramento.
How Our California Apostille Service Works
- Contact us with your document and the country where it will be used.
- Send us the original by mail or bring it to our Portland office.
- We check it against California requirements before anything is submitted.
- We submit it to the California Secretary of State.
- We return your apostilled document to you.
Before You Send Your Document
- Send the original certified document. Photocopies generally cannot be apostilled.
- The document must carry the signature of an official the state recognizes, such as a registrar, clerk, or notary.
- An apostille certifies the signature and seal only, not the content of the document.
- Some countries also require a certified translation. Check the destination country’s rules first.
Which Countries Accept an Apostille?
An apostille is accepted by member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination is not a member, the document may need embassy or consular legalization instead. You can check the current member list in the Hague Conference status table, or tell us the country and we will confirm.
Related Apostille Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a California apostille?
It is a certificate from the California Secretary of State that confirms the signature and seal on a California public document so Hague Convention countries will accept it.
How long does it take?
Some apostilles finish in about 5 business days. Others take longer depending on the processing time at the California office. Call (503) 212-0678 for the current estimate.
How much does it cost?
Our fee is (503) 212-067895 per document. Call (503) 212-0678 to confirm your total.
Do I need to be in Oregon to use your service?
No. We work from Portland, Oregon and serve clients nationwide. You can mail us your original document.
Can I use a California apostille in the United States?
No. An apostille is valid only for use outside the United States and its territories.
Which countries accept it?
Member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is not a member, the document may need embassy legalization.
Start Your California Apostille
Call (503) 212-0678 or book online. Tell us the document and where it is going, and we will confirm what is needed.
