Whose signatures can be authenticated (apostilled)? The California Secretary of State only authenticates signatures on documents issued in the State of California signed by a notary public or the following public officials and their deputies: County Clerks or Recorders. Court Administrators of the Superior Court.
To process, the authorized representative has to bring the following: Signed authorization letter (SPA for minor document owners); Copy of valid government ID bearing document owner's signature; Representative's valid ID (photocopy and original).
You may request authentication services by mail or in person. Consider your travel date and our processing times when requesting services. Traveling in 5+ weeks: Send your request by mail. We will process it within five weeks from the date we receive it.
To process, the authorized representative has to bring the following: Signed authorization letter (SPA for minor document owners); Copy of valid government ID bearing document owner's signature; Representative's valid ID (photocopy and original).
Notaries do not issue apostilles An apostille confirms that the Notary's commission is valid on notarized documents sent to foreign countries. The notarized document must be submitted to an appropriate state government agency in order to have an apostille attached.
Clearly state the purpose of your request for an apostille, and provide information about the document(s) that you are submitting. Include the type of document, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and the issuing authority or country.
An apostille is issued by your Secretary of State's office or Notary commissioning agency. The single apostille is the only certification needed. Once prepared and verified, the apostille is attached to and sent along with the notarized documents. Notaries cannot issue apostilles themselves.