Are you planning to move abroad, apply for dual citizenship, or enroll your child in school overseas? If so, you may need to Apostille Birth Certificate California.

Whether you’re dealing with immigration paperwork, marriage abroad, or foreign legal processes, the apostille of a birth certificate ensures the document is legally accepted in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

At Rais Apostille Services, we specialize in fast, reliable, and nationwide document legalization. In this guide, we’ll explain what an apostille is, why it’s needed, and how to get your California birth certificate apostilled quickly and correctly.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority that authenticates a public document—like a birth certificate—for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

This certification confirms that the document is genuine and legally valid, eliminating the need for additional embassy or consulate legalization.

Why You Need an Apostille for a Birth Certificate

A California birth certificate may need an apostille in a variety of situations:

1. Immigration or Visa Applications

Foreign governments may request an apostilled birth certificate as proof of identity or family relationship for spouse or dependent visas.

2. Dual Citizenship or Naturalization

Countries like Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and India often require an apostilled birth certificate when applying for citizenship by descent.

3. Studying Abroad

Educational institutions may require an apostilled birth certificate as part of the enrollment process for minors or proof of age.

4. Marriage Abroad

Getting married in another country? Local authorities may request your apostilled birth certificate to verify your identity and eligibility.

5. Legal or Inheritance Matters

Foreign courts may ask for an apostilled birth certificate during probate, legal disputes, or estate claims.

Who Issues Apostilles for California Birth Certificates?

In the U.S., each state handles apostilles for documents issued within its jurisdiction.

For birth certificates issued in California, the apostille is provided by the California Secretary of State. However, you must meet certain requirements for the certificate to be eligible.

Types of California Birth Certificates Eligible for Apostille

To get an apostille, you must use a certified copy of the birth certificate issued by:

California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR)
County Recorder’s Office or County Clerk’s Office (in the county where the birth was registered)

Photocopies or hospital-issued certificates are not acceptable for apostille.

Step-by-Step Process: Apostille Birth Certificate California

Here’s how to get your California birth certificate apostilled:

Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy

If you don’t already have one, request a certified copy from the county where the birth occurred or from CDPH-VR.

CDPH-VR can take several weeks.
County offices may provide faster turnaround.

Step 2: Verify the Notarization or Signature

The document must bear the original signature of a public official authorized by the California Secretary of State (such as a County Clerk or State Registrar).

If the official’s signature is not on file with the Secretary of State, the apostille will be rejected.

Step 3: Submit for Apostille

Send the document to the California Secretary of State by mail or in person, along with:

Apostille Request Form
Applicable fee ($20 per apostille as of 2024)
Prepaid return envelope

Or use Rais Apostille Services to handle everything on your behalf.

Step 4: Receive the Apostilled Document

Once approved, your birth certificate will be returned with the apostille attached—making it legally valid in over 100 countries.

How Long Does It Take?

Standard Processing by State: 5–10 business days (mail-in)
Walk-in Service: Same day (in some locations)
With Rais Apostille Services: 1–3 business days expedited service available

We offer nationwide service, including door-to-door document pickup and return shipping.

How Much Does It Cost?

State Fees (California Secretary of State):

$20 per document

Rais Apostille Services Fees:

Starting at $75 for standard service
Express/Expedited options available
Includes full document review, processing, and tracked shipping

Countries That Accept Apostilled Documents

The apostille is recognized by countries that are part of the Hague Convention. This includes:

United Kingdom
France
Germany
Spain
Italy
Australia
Japan
Mexico
South Korea
Netherlands

Note: Countries not part of the Hague Convention (such as Canada, China, UAE) require consular legalization, not an apostille.

Why Choose Rais Apostille Services?

At Rais Apostille Services, we make the apostille process simple, fast, and stress-free. Here’s why clients across the U.S. trust us:

✅ Expertise in California Apostille Services

We handle birth certificates issued from any California county, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Orange, and Alameda.

✅ 100% Document Accuracy

Avoid delays or rejections with our expert document review and error-proof filing.

✅ Fast Turnaround Times

We offer express services that beat long government wait times—saving you days or even weeks.

✅ Nationwide Support

Wherever you are in the U.S., our mail-in service makes document apostille as easy as shipping a package.

✅ Dedicated Support

Our customer service team is always available to answer questions and guide you step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apostille a photocopy of my California birth certificate?

No. Only certified copies issued by a government office are eligible for apostille.

2. Do I need to notarize my birth certificate before apostille?

No. Government-issued vital records like birth certificates do not require notarization. They must simply have an official signature on file with the Secretary of State.

3. How long is an apostille valid?

The apostille does not expire, but the acceptance period of the document by a foreign authority may vary. Some countries require documents issued within the last 3–6 months.

4. Can Rais Apostille Services obtain the birth certificate for me?

We can guide you through the process, but only the registrant, parent, or legal guardian can request a certified birth certificate from the county or state office. We can handle the apostille part once you have the certified document.

5. Is my California birth certificate accepted in other states for apostille?

No. A California birth certificate can only be apostilled through the California Secretary of State, not any other state.

6. Can I use this for Canada or UAE?

No. Canada and the UAE are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead, you need attestation or embassy legalization, which Rais Apostille Services also offers.

Ready to Apostille Your California Birth Certificate?

Let Rais Apostille Services take the stress out of the process. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento, or anywhere else in the U.S., we make California apostille services fast, affordable, and accurate.

Apostille Birth Certificate California: Complete Guide by Rais Apostille Services

What Is an Apostille?