UPDATED JUNE 11, 2021
New: Issuance of a single Authentication certificate (Apostille): Effective January 1, 2017, the California Secretary of State's office issues a single Authentication Certificate for documents to be used outside of the country rather than issuing either an Apostille (for Hague countries) or Certificate (for non-Hague countries).
What has changed in the apostille certificate?
As before, the California Secretary of State provides authentication of public official signatures on documents to be used outside the United States of America.
As before, an Authentication Certificate only certifies the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. The Authentication certificate does not validate the contents of the document.
The only difference in the procedure is that there is no difference in the way the certificate looks. All certificates now have the word "apostille" on it.
Read more about California apostille guidelines and tips.
Not sure if your document qualifies for a California apostille? Email a copy of your document for a free evaluation
CA apostille: price, processing time, order form
FedEx (standard overnight): $30
FedEx International: $75 (most countries)
FedEx International to Eastern Europe, South America, Africa: $115