US documents for use abroad
How do you get a state document apostilled?
Last reviewed .
Send the original or a certified copy to the apostille office of the state that issued the document, with its request form or cover sheet naming the destination country, the fee and a return envelope. Each state sets its own fee, accepted formats and processing. In California, for example, the Secretary of State charges $20 per apostille and does not accept photocopies.
Key facts
| Fact | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California fee | $20 per apostille | Official source |
| California special handling | $6 for each different public official's signature, on in-person requests | Official source |
| California mail rule | Include a cover sheet naming the destination country and a self-addressed return envelope. A photocopy is not acceptable | Official source |
| California processing | Mail requests are processed in the order received | Official source |
| California payment | Sacramento accepts cash. Los Angeles does not | Official source |
Which state's office handles your document?
The state that issued the document, not the state you live in now. A birth certificate from Texas goes to Texas even if you moved to Oregon years ago. A notarized document goes to the state where the notary is commissioned.
Do not infer one state's process from another. Fees, forms, payment methods and turnaround differ. Our state table lists the jurisdictions whose official pages we have checked.
What does California's process look like?
California is a useful worked example because its page is clear. By mail, you send the document, a cover sheet stating the country where it will be used, payment, and a self-addressed envelope. A photocopy is not acceptable. Mail requests are handled in the order received and cannot be pulled out for faster processing.
In person, the Sacramento and Los Angeles offices offer same-day service. The $6 special-handling fee applies per different public official's signature, not per document, so two documents signed by the same official do not double it. Sacramento accepts cash; Los Angeles does not.
Why do state apostille requests get returned?
- The document is a photocopy, or a copy the state does not accept.
- The official's signature is not one the state can authenticate, such as a record that first needs county certification.
- The cover sheet or destination country is missing.
- The fee is wrong or the payment method is not accepted at that office.
- There is no return envelope or label.
What changes the total cost?
The state apostille fee is only one line. Ordering a new certified record, county certification, special handling, courier delivery and translation can each add to it. Ask for each part separately so you can compare quotes fairly.
Checklist before you start
- Confirm which state issued or notarized the document.
- Check whether the receiving authority needs a recently issued copy.
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office if needed.
- Read the state's current form, fee and payment rules.
- Name the destination country on the cover sheet.
- Include a prepaid return envelope or label.
- Keep a copy of everything you send.
Common questions
Can I apostille a photocopy of my birth certificate?
Usually not. California says a photocopy is not acceptable. Order a certified copy from the vital records office of the state of birth.
How much does a state apostille cost?
It depends on the state. California charges $20 per apostille. Check our state table for other checked states and the record and shipping charges that sit on top.
Can I get a state apostille the same day?
Some states offer in-person counters. California advertises same-day service at its Sacramento and Los Angeles offices. Mail requests take longer.
Official sources
- Request an apostille. California Secretary of State.
- Apostille Section. Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH).
Sources checked . Official pages change. Use the source over this summary if they differ.
Want us to prepare it?
The official route above is free to follow yourself. If you would rather hand it off, we prepare it for you.
Birth, marriage, or divorce certificate with apostille. USD 149 plus state fees. Government fees pass through at cost. The written quote is final.
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General information from official sources, not legal advice. The receiving authority decides what it accepts. Confirm its current instructions before you order or send anything. US Expat Desk is a private company. We are not affiliated with the US government, the State Department, or the FBI.