If you’re looking for a Professional Apostille Services in Los Angeles, look no further than California Apostille Fast. As a licensed and commissioned notary public for the state of California, we specialize in expedited apostille services and are well-equipped to handle your apostille needs. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to apostille services in Los Angeles, including everything from what an apostille is to how to obtain one in California.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is a form of international certification issued by the government of the country where the document was issued. Apostilles are used to validate documents for use in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
What is the Hague Convention?
The Hague Convention is an international treaty that provides for the simplification of the process for authenticating documents for use in foreign countries. The convention was first held in 1899 and has since been revised several times. The United States joined the Hague Convention in 1981, and as a result, the apostille process was established in the United States.
What is the Process for Obtaining an Apostille in California?
In California, there are two methods for obtaining an apostille: in-person and by mail. To obtain an apostille in-person, you can go to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento. To obtain an apostille by mail, you will need to mail your documents to the California Secretary of State’s office along with a completed apostille request form.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for obtaining an Apostille in California:
- Determine the type of document: Confirm that your document is eligible for an Apostille. Only documents issued by California state agencies or notarized by a California Notary Public are eligible.
- Obtain a certified copy: If you do not have a certified copy of your document, you must obtain one from the issuing agency or request one from a Notary Public.
- Complete any necessary translations: If your document is not in English, you must have it translated by a certified translator.
- Obtain a notarization: If your document requires notarization, make sure it is notarized by a California Notary Public.
- Submit the document: Submit the original document, or a certified copy, to the California Secretary of State’s office in person, by mail, or through a private courier service. You will also need to complete a California Apostille Request form, which is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
- Pay the fee: You will need to pay a fee for each Apostille requested. The current fee is $26 per Apostille.
- Wait for processing: Processing times vary, but it generally takes between 5-10 business days to obtain an Apostille. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
- Retrieve the Apostille: Once the Apostille is complete, you can either pick it up in person, have it returned by mail, or use a private courier service to retrieve it.
Note: It is important to verify the accuracy of your document before submitting it for an Apostille. The California Secretary of State’s office will not verify the accuracy of your document, only the authenticity of the signature and/or seal of the notary or issuing agency.
What Documents can be Apostilled in California?
In California, a wide range of documents can be apostilled, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, diplomas, transcripts, and more. The most common documents that require an apostille are those that are issued by a government agency or educational institution.
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- High school diplomas and transcripts
- College and university diplomas and transcripts
- Adoption papers
- Power of attorney documents
- Notarized documents
- Corporate documents, such as articles of incorporation and bylaws
- Court documents, such as judgments and orders
- Letters of reference and authentication
- Certificates of good standing
- Patents and trademark certificates
- Any other official document issued by a California agency or court, or a document notarized by a California Notary Public.
What is a California Notary Public?
A California Notary Public is an individual who is appointed by the California Secretary of State to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. A notary public can also administer oaths and affirmations.
Why use a Professional Apostille Service Provider?
Using a professional apostille service provider can save you time and hassle. At CaliforniaApostilleFast, we have the expertise to handle all of your apostille needs, from obtaining the necessary documents to submitting them for apostille certification. We offer Expedited Apostille Services to ensure that your documents are processed as quickly as possible.
What is the US Department of State Apostille?
The US Department of State Apostille is a form of international certification issued by the US Department of State. The apostille is used to validate documents for use in foreign countries that are not members of the Hague Convention.
What is an Apostille in English?
An Apostille in English is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document in the English language.
What is Apostillization?
Apostillization is the process of obtaining an apostille, which is a type of certification used to verify the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country. An apostille is issued by the government of the country where the document originated and serves as proof that the document is genuine and has been issued by a recognized authority. This process was established by the Hague Convention, an international treaty that simplifies the process of authenticating documents for use abroad. Apostillization is commonly required for legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic transcripts.
Apostillization is the process of obtaining an apostille, which is a type of certification used to verify the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country.
Apostille Facts to Consider
- The apostille is issued by the government of the country where the document originated and serves as proof that the document is genuine and has been issued by a recognized authority.
- Apostillization was established by the Hague Convention, an international treaty that simplifies the process of authenticating documents for use abroad.
- The Hague Convention currently has 118 member countries that recognize and accept apostilles.
- Apostillization is commonly required for legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic transcripts.
- The apostille contains specific information, including the country of origin, the name of the person who signed the document, the capacity in which the person signed the document, and the seal or stamp of the issuing authority.
- The apostille does not verify the contents of the document but rather confirms the authenticity of the signature and the capacity of the person who signed it.
- The apostille is a crucial step for individuals or companies that need to use their documents in another country for purposes such as education, work, or business transactions.
The process of Apostillization can vary depending on the country and type of document, and it’s essential to follow the specific requirements of the country where the document will be used.
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. 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!