As a California Notary Public who provides Mobile Notary and Apostille Services in Los Angeles County, understanding the California Secretary of State Apostille Office is essential. The Secretary of State is responsible for authenticating public documents, including notarized documents, through the issuance of an Apostille certificate.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a notarized document, for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention. The Hague Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the process of legalizing documents for use in other countries. Understanding where the California Secretary of State Apostille Office locations are will help you get your California Apostille Fast.
Why do I need an Apostille?
If you need to use a notarized document, such as a power of attorney or a birth certificate, in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention, you will likely need an Apostille. An Apostille is proof that the notary public who notarized the document is a licensed and commissioned notary public for the state of California, and that the notary’s signature and seal are genuine.
What documents can be Apostilled?
The California Secretary of State Apostille Office can issue Apostilles for public documents issued in California, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Adoption papers
- Notarized documents
- Court documents
How to get an Apostille in California?
To obtain an Apostille in California, you will need to follow these steps:
- Have the document notarized by a licensed California Notary Public.
- Obtain a copy of the notarized document.
- Complete a California Apostille certificate form.
- Submit the completed form, the notarized document, and the required fee to the California Secretary of State Apostille Office.
The processing time for an Apostille is generally 24 hours, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Top Apostille Service Providers in Los Angeles
Long Beach Notary Dude
Long Beach Notary Dude is a professional notary public serving the Long Beach, California area. With our mobile notary services, we come to you at a location and time that is convenient for you. Our services include notarizing legal documents, performing copy certifications, and providing apostille services for international use. We pride ourselves on our affordable and transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or extra charges. As a licensed notary public, we prioritize accuracy and attention to detail in all of our work. Contact Long Beach Notary Dude for fast and reliable notary services in Long Beach, CA.
MY PO BOX LA
MY PO BOX LA is a convenient mail and package receiving service located in Los Angeles, California. Our services include private mailbox rental, mail forwarding, package receiving, and notary services. With our flexible plans and affordable prices, we cater to individuals and businesses alike. Our secure mailbox rental options provide a physical address for your mail and packages, making it an ideal solution for those who work from home or need a professional address for their business. We also offer mail forwarding services for those who are frequently on the move or temporarily out of town. In addition, our licensed notary public can assist with notarizing legal documents. Trust MY PO BOX LA for all your mailbox and notary needs in Los Angeles.
Bulldog Notary & Apostille
Bulldog Notary & Apostille is a trusted provider of notary and apostille services in Los Angeles County. As a licensed and commissioned notary public for the state of California, we are authorized to notarize legal documents and provide authentication services for international use. We offer mobile notary services for those who cannot come to our office, and we cater to the local Chinese community as a Chinese-speaking notary in Los Angeles. With our 24-hour notary services, you can get the notarization you need on your schedule. Choose Bulldog Notary & Apostille for reliable, affordable, and convenient notary and apostille services.
California Secretary of State Apostille Office Locations
The California Secretary of State has three locations where you can submit documents for Apostille authentication:
Sacramento – The Sacramento office is located at 1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles office is located at 300 South Spring Street, Room 12513, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
San Francisco – The San Francisco office is located at 101 Second Street, Room 508, San Francisco, CA 94105.
How much does an Apostille cost in California?
The fee for an Apostille in California is $20 per document. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
- The cost of obtaining an Apostille in California is $26 per document.
- This fee is set by the Secretary of State and is the same for all types of documents.
- Additional fees may apply if you require expedited processing or need to order copies of the documents.
- The Apostille fee is paid when submitting the documents for authentication.
- Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card.
- The Apostille fee is non-refundable, even if the request is later withdrawn or rejected.
- The Apostille fee covers the cost of issuing the Apostille certificate only and does not include any additional services, such as copy certification or authentication of Notary Public.
- The Apostille fee is subject to change, so it’s important to check the latest fees before submitting your documents for authentication.
- Some service providers may charge additional fees for handling the Apostille process on your behalf, so it’s important to clarify all fees and charges upfront.
Conclusion
As a California Notary Public providing Mobile Notary and Apostille Services in Los Angeles County, understanding the California Secretary of State Apostille Office and the process for obtaining an Apostille is crucial. Whether you need an Apostille for personal or business reasons, knowing the steps involved and the fees associated with the process can help you plan accordingly.
If you need assistance with obtaining an Apostille or notarizing a document, contact Bulldog Notary & Apostille, a trusted Notary Public in Los Angeles County that offers 24-hour mobile notary services and Chinese speaking notary services.
About the Author
Hi there! My name is Rufus and I am a Notary Public based in Los Angeles. I own and operate three businesses including “Long Beach Notary Dude,” “Bulldog Notary & Apostille,” and “MY PO BOX LA.” I am dedicated to providing professional and efficient notary services, mobile notary services, and apostille services to the community in Los Angeles County. When I’m not working, I love sports, trying new foods, and spending time with my family. I am fluent in English and Cantonese and can also speak a very “rough” Mandarin Chinese. Consider myself a Chinese Speaking Notary in Los Angeles. Reach me anytime at (626) 620-3667 or notarydude1@gmail.com. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be of service to you soon!