How to Get an Apostille in California (2025 Guide)

If you’ve been told you need an apostille for your documents, you’re not alone. Whether you’re sending paperwork to Mexico, Spain, Ukraine, India or another country, the apostille process can feel confusing but it doesn’t have to be.

This simple step-by-step guide will explain how to get an apostille in California in 2025, including what documents qualify, how long it takes, and where to go.

What Is an Apostille

An apostille is an official certificate that confirms a document’s authenticity so it can be used in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

It is commonly required for:

• Birth and marriage certificates

• Power of attorney

• FBI background checks

• School transcripts

• Business documents

• Travel consent forms for minors

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Apostille in California

1. Notarize the Document if Required

Some documents, such as powers of attorney or letters of consent, need to be notarized by a California notary public before they can be apostilled.

2. Submit the Document to the California Secretary of State

You have a few options for submission:

• Have document processed in Sacramento or Los Angeles

• Use a mobile apostille service to handle the process for you

3. Wait for Processing

As of 2025, the mail-in processing time is around 21 business days.

Which Countries Require an Apostille

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention require an apostille. This includes Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, India, and Colombia.

If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, such as China or the United Arab Emirates, you will need consulate authentication instead of an apostille.

Apostille for Mexico and Spain

We frequently assist with the following types of documents:

• Birth certificates for dual citizenship in Mexico

• Marriage certificates for visa applications in Spain

• FBI background checks for employment abroad

We can take care of notarization, translation, and the apostille all in one visit.

Need Help Getting an Apostille

Top Bay Area Notary makes the process easy for you. We offer:

• Mobile apostille service throughout the Bay Area

• Same-day processing options

• Notarization, translation, and apostille services, one-stop shop

• Pickup and dropoff services

We serve Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont and nearby areas.

Contact Us Today

Ready to get your apostille?

We are here to help. You can call us, book online, or send a message with your questions.