Step #1 How do I apostille my document in California? 

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• Know the date and time you would like to meet with the mobile Notary Public so that you can submit your document requiring an Apostille ASAP and get it back in a timely manner.

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• Know how many of your documents require an Apostille, notarization, or both. 

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• Know where your document originated and what country it's going to be used.

  • (NOTE: California Secretary of State does not issue Apostilles for

    • Puerto Rico,

    • Guam 

    • United States Virgin Islands

    • Northern Mariana Islands

    • American Samoa, or any other American territories or possessions.

      • Generally, the notarial act is sufficient for use in any American territory or possession. Apostilles can only be issued for documents outside the United States of America).

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• You must provide an unexpired or issued within the last five years CA-approved ID, such as your Driver's License, Passport, Photo Identification card, etc., or Credible witnesses to be able to notarize your documents, requiring notarization.

  • Credible witnesses: California permits Notaries to identify the signer through one or two credible identifying witnesses under certain situations.

    • A credible witness is an individual who personally knows the signer and can vouch for the signer's identity to the Notary.

      • ​​​If your documents only require apostille services, no ID or Credible witnesses are needed.​

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• It is the signers' responsibility to provide witnesses.

  • Otherwise, upon agreement and before services are rendered, the notary may provide the witnesses for you, but you, the signer, will have to pay the notary $50 per witness provided.

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• Have the documents you want notarized or Apostille ready and filled out, except signatures, before meeting with the notary.​

  • If your document does not have a notarial act, you must contact the issuing or receiving entity to determine which notarial act is needed. The notary can only show you the most common California Notarial acts, but you must inform me of the one that best fits your needs. 

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• All signers must be alert and aware and not under duress or heavy medication that would prevent them from signing the documents. ​​​

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• Lastly, I am not an attorney; therefore, by law, I cannot explain, interpret, instruct, advise, or direct you on completing a document. By doing so, I would be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Any important questions about your document should be addressed to either the issuing or receiving entity or an attorney.