An apostille is what makes a California document legally usable in another country. It certifies the authenticity of the signatures and seals on your paperwork, so foreign authorities can accept it without requiring additional embassy or consular verification. In California, apostilles are issued exclusively by the California Secretary of State. This office is the only state authority responsible for apostilling documents such as notarized papers, California-issued vital records, and certified copies of state records.
Not every country accepts an apostille. If your destination country is outside the Hague Convention, your document may need California authentication for non-Hague countries, followed by embassy or consular legalization.
