CALIFORNIA · APOSTILLE & TRANSLATION
Apostille & Certified Translation in California
Apostilles for California documents are issued by one office only: the California Secretary of State's Notary Public Section in Sacramento and Los Angeles. Translation HelpDesk pairs that authentication step with certified English-Spanish translation of your California records — birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, powers of attorney, court orders — at $0.05 per word (most civil documents run $15-25), delivered in 24-48 hours. Every translation ships with a signed certification that meets USCIS and consular standards, backed by our USCIS Rejection Pledge and a free 250-word sample so you can check quality before you commit. From our Chihuahua, Mexico office we serve clients across all of California and the entire USA.
Updated July 11, 2026 · Guidance only — confirm current fees and steps with the California Secretary of State — Notary Public Section (Apostille unit), with in-person counters at the Sacramento and Los Angeles offices and mail service handled by Sacramento.
HOW IT WORKS IN CALIFORNIA
Getting an Apostille in California
In California, apostilles and authentications are issued only by the California Secretary of State's Notary Public Section — county clerks and courts do not issue them. You can walk in for same-day service at the Sacramento office (1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814) or the Los Angeles office (300 South Spring Street, Room 12513, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — no appointment needed), or mail your request to the Notary Public Section, P.O. Box 942877, Sacramento, CA 94277-0001, which is processed by Sacramento only. Private documents (affidavits, powers of attorney, translator certifications) must be notarized by a California notary before you submit them, and vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates must be recent certified copies bearing the county clerk/recorder's or CDPH State Registrar's signature — a plain photocopy will be rejected. Always confirm the current fee and requirements on sos.ca.gov before sending anything, since offices and hours can change.
TRANSLATION + APOSTILLE
Where Certified Translation Fits
For most destinations it is cleaner to apostille the California document first and then have both the document and the apostille certificate translated, because many foreign offices want the apostille itself rendered into their language. The most common mistake we see is Californians paying to translate only the original and forgetting the attached apostille, or translating first and having the Secretary of State apostille the notarized translator's certificate when the receiving country actually wanted the apostille on the original record. Before ordering, ask the receiving office whether the apostille must be translated and whether a sworn or certified translation is required — then we translate to match.
Translation HelpDesk provides the certified English translation with a signed Certificate of Accuracy (8 CFR 103.2(b)(3)) that USCIS accepts, and can advise on whether you need the apostille before or after translation for your specific document and destination.
FEES & TIMING
Cost & Turnaround
Apostille fee: The California Secretary of State charges $20.00 per apostille, plus a $6.00 special-handling fee per public official's signature for in-person requests (that $6.00 fee does not apply to mail requests) — always verify the current amount on sos.ca.gov before submitting. That state fee is separate from translation: Translation HelpDesk certified translation is $0.05/word, with most single civil documents (birth, marriage, death certificates) landing around $15-25.
Typical processing: California Secretary of State: in-person requests in Sacramento or Los Angeles are typically completed same day (about 30 minutes on-site; arrive by 4:30 p.m.), while mail requests to the Sacramento office generally take roughly one to two weeks plus mailing time depending on the current backlog. Translation HelpDesk certified translations are delivered in 24-48 hours, so translation is rarely the bottleneck.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues apostilles in California?
Only the California Secretary of State's Notary Public Section. It has in-person counters in Sacramento (1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor) and Los Angeles (300 South Spring Street, Room 12513), and it also processes mail requests through the Sacramento office. County clerks and courts in California do not issue apostilles themselves.
Should I translate my document before or after the California apostille?
For most countries it is cleaner to get the apostille first and then translate both the document and the apostille certificate, since many foreign offices want the apostille itself translated. The order can vary by destination, so confirm with the receiving office. We translate to match whichever order they require.
How much does a California apostille cost?
The Secretary of State charges $20.00 per apostille, plus a $6.00 special-handling fee per signature for in-person requests (not charged on mail requests). Because fees can change, confirm the current amount on sos.ca.gov. Our certified translation is billed separately at $0.05 per word.
How fast can I get a California apostille and translation?
In-person requests in Sacramento or Los Angeles are usually done same day (about 30 minutes on-site), while mail requests typically take about one to two weeks plus mailing time. Our certified translations are delivered in 24-48 hours, so translation rarely slows you down.
Does the California Secretary of State provide translations?
No. The Secretary of State only authenticates signatures; it does not translate documents and will apostille records in any language. If your destination country needs the document in another language, that certified translation is a separate step, which is what Translation HelpDesk handles.
Do California birth or marriage certificates need anything special before an apostille?
Yes. Vital records must be recent certified copies bearing the signature of the county clerk/recorder or the CDPH State Registrar — a plain photocopy will be rejected. Private documents like powers of attorney must be notarized by a California notary before you submit them for apostille.
Can you help if I'm outside California?
Yes. Translation HelpDesk works from Chihuahua, Mexico and serves clients across all of California and the entire USA. We handle the certified translation remotely and can guide you on how the California apostille step fits your specific destination. Reach us by email at info@translationhelpdesk.com.