How to Apostille a California Birth certificate (2026 Guide)
To apostille a California birth certificate, order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. Then submit it to the California Secretary of State for $20 per document. Mail processing takes about 10–15 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $20 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | California Secretary of State |
| Required copy | Order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. |
| Mail time | 10–15 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Order a certified copy from the state or county vital-records office. Many states require a recent state-registrar copy, not an old county copy. In California, california birth, death and marriage certificates come from CDPH Vital Records or the county recorder; the copy must be a certified copy, not an informational copy.
Step 2 — Submit to the California Secretary of State
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $20 per document by check or money order. Same-day counter service in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- Photocopies and hospital "souvenir" certificates are not certified copies and are rejected
- The certified copy is too old or the seal is not raised/legible
- The signing registrar's authority is not on file with the apostille office
Who typically needs this
Proving identity or parentage for dual citizenship.
Marriage or spousal-visa applications abroad.
Foreign school enrollment and residency permits.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a birth certificate in California?
The California Secretary of State charges $20 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. California apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. Photocopies and hospital "souvenir" certificates are not certified copies and are rejected
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in California runs about 10–15 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a birth certificate apostille?
People who proving identity or parentage for dual citizenship or need it for marriage or spousal-visa applications abroad. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your California birth certificate.
Other California documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the California Secretary of State and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.