How to Get an Apostille in San Francisco

If you're dealing with international paperwork—such as getting married abroad, studying overseas, or conducting business in another country—you may need an apostille. An apostille is a special certificate issued by the Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of a notarized or government-issued document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

In San Francisco, the process of obtaining an apostille can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. This article will guide you step-by-step through what you need, where to go, and how to make the process faster and easier—especially with the help of a mobile notary.

Step 1: Determine if You Need an Apostille

First, confirm that the document will be sent to a country that’s a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If not, you may need a different type of authentication process known as legalization, which often includes going through the destination country’s consulate.

Some common documents that often require apostilles include:

• Birth, marriage, or death certificates

• Power of attorney documents

• Academic transcripts or diplomas

• Articles of incorporation or other business records

• Adoption dossiers

• Background checks (e.g., FBI or DOJ reports)

Step 2: Notarize the Document (If Required)

Most documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled, unless they are already official government documents (like vital records or court documents).

You’ll need a California Notary Public to notarize:

• Power of Attorney

• Affidavits

• Permission to Travel Letters

• Business documents

• Copies of diplomas or transcripts (only with a properly worded affidavit)

A mobile notary in San Francisco can meet you at your home, office, or any convenient location to notarize the document quickly and correctly.

Step 3: Submit to the California Secretary of State

Once your document is notarized (or if it's an official public document), it must be sent to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento or Los Angeles for the apostille to be issued.

You have three options:

A. Mail-In Submission

Send your document, a completed Apostille Request Form, and a check or money order ($20 per apostille) to:

California Secretary of State – Apostille
1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Processing times vary but usually take 1–2 weeks.

B. Walk-In Service (Sacramento or Los Angeles)

If you need your apostille urgently, you or your courier can visit one of the two offices in person. This allows for same-day processing in many cases.

C. Use a Courier or Apostille Service

Hiring a San Francisco apostille agent or mobile notary can simplify the process. These professionals can notarize your document, ensure it's correctly prepared, and submit it for apostille processing on your behalf.

Why Use a Mobile Notary for Apostille Services?

Working with a mobile notary or apostille specialist in San Francisco offers several advantages:

• Convenience: We come to you—home, office, or public location.

• Accuracy: We make sure your documents meet all California and international requirements.

• Speed: We can help expedite processing through hand delivery and retrieval.

• Peace of Mind: Avoid costly mistakes or rejected applications.

Final Thoughts

Getting an apostille in San Francisco doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right guidance—and help from a knowledgeable mobile notary—you can get your documents authenticated properly and on time.

If you need help with notarization, document preparation, or submitting your documents for an apostille, Matt Miller Mobile Notary is here to help. We specialize in making the process fast, easy, and stress-free.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a mobile notary appointment or apostille service in San Francisco.