Apostille is an authentication of a signature on documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. The Secretary of State handles apostille service for documents issued by California public officials, including birth, death and marriage certificates as well as educational documents required for international student travel.
Typically, people needing California apostille service must travel to the Secretary of State’s office in Los Angeles or Sacramento. However, this is changing as the Secretary of State is partnering with county offices to bring in-person apostille services closer to home.
California Apostille Services: What Residents Should Know
To qualify for a California apostille, a document must be original and signed by a public official or a notary who has authenticated the signature on the document. The document must also have a seal or embossment to identify it as an official document.
The document must be submitted along with a completed Apostille Pop-Up Shop Request Cover Sheet. A $20 state fee is charged per apostille. Credit cards, checks, or money orders are accepted.
The Apostille Pop-Up Shop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12. It will be at the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk office in room 273 of the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway. Free underground parking is available.
During the Apostille Pop-Up Shop, a trained staff will review documents and process apostilles on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon completion, applicants will be called up to collect their documents with the apostille attached. Apostilles are valid for one year. The Apostille Pop-Up Shop is sponsored by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder and the Secretary of State.