Apostilles

This week I had several apostille orders that were interesting. Several went to Aruba and South Africa. These were repeat clients, which is always nice to see.

I thought I would take a moment to clear up some "can" and "can't do's" since there is always confusion with apostilles.

In the state of California, Apostilles can be directly placed on documents signed by a county clerk, superior court judge (providing the judge has their seal on the document), and any document signed by the secretary of state. This would include original birth and death certificates, divorce decrees, and business filings.

In all other cases, Apostilles are placed on notarized documents that have first been submitted for authentication to the local county recorder's office. This would include powers of attorney, affidavits, copies of original documents whereby the custodian of the document has sworn the copy is an exact copy of a document they have in their possession (including diplomas, passport copies, birth certificate copies), and all other notarized-type documents.

I frequently get international clients that request an apostille on their diploma. This is only possible if the graduate can make an appointment with the original signers of the diploma for notarization of their signature. Most often this is not possible. For diploma, the graduate needs to make a copy of their diploma, and sign a sworn statement that the copy is an exact copy of the original they have in their possession. I notarize the signature on the statement, then authenticate by the county recorder, and finally obtain the apostille from the secretary of state.

I have noticed that the secretary of state's website is not clear on how this process works. As a result, there is much confusion in obtaining an apostille.

If you need further information, such as current countries included in the Hague Convention, in other words, those accepting apostilles - please click on Apostille Service.

You can also email me through my main website if you have questions that have been unanswered - Aardvark Mobile Notary