Who Issues an Apostille?
By John F. Heinz, Managing Director, Prismark Signature Services
Published: August 5, 2026
Quick Answer
In California, apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State. If your document was issued or notarized in another state, you’ll generally need to obtain the apostille from that state’s designated authority.
Documents issued by the U.S. federal government follow a different authentication process.
Key Takeaways
- California apostilles are issued by the California Secretary of State.
- The office that issues the apostille depends on where your document was issued or notarized.
- The state where your document was issued or notarized is usually the state that issues the apostille.
- Federal documents require a different authentication process.
Who Issues Apostilles in California?
For documents issued or notarized in California, the California Secretary of State issues the apostille. Before issuing an apostille, the Secretary of State verifies the signature, seal, or stamp of the California public official who signed or certified the document.
What If My Document Was Issued Somewhere Else?
The state that issued or notarized your document is usually the state that issues the apostille. For example, a Texas birth certificate normally needs a Texas apostille, while a New York notarized document normally needs a New York apostille.
If your document was issued by the U.S. federal government, such as certain federal records, you’ll generally need to follow the federal authentication process instead.
Every apostille request is different. The document, where it was issued, and the destination country all affect the process.
How Prismark Can Help
Prismark Signature Services reviews your documents to help identify the appropriate apostille or authentication authority based on where the document was issued, certified, or notarized.
For California documents, we can coordinate directly with the California Secretary of State. If your document originated in another state, we’ll help identify the appropriate process and coordinate the apostille through our trusted nationwide network of professional apostille affiliates. Federal documents that require a different authentication process can also be coordinated when applicable.
If your documents will be presented in a country where another language is required, Prismark can coordinate certified and sworn translations in more than 150 languages through our trusted translation partners.
For your peace of mind, Prismark is a bonded California Notary Public, background screened, and carries $1 million in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Your important documents are handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and care throughout the authentication process.
Whether your document requires a California apostille, another state’s apostille, or federal authentication, Prismark can help coordinate the appropriate process from start to finish.
Located just minutes from the California Secretary of State’s Los Angeles Apostille Office, Prismark offers expedited same-day California apostille service. In qualifying cases, properly prepared California documents can often be processed in as little as four hours.
Call or Text Prismark Signature Services to schedule an appointment: (213) 563-0758
Related Guides
- What Is an Apostille?
- Do I Need an Apostille?
- What Does an Apostille Verify?
- What Is the Hague Apostille Convention?
- Apostille Services in Los Angeles
Professional Notice
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prismark Signature Services is not a law firm. If you have questions about your legal rights or which documents are appropriate for your situation, please contact the requesting organization or a qualified attorney.
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