If you plan to use your California documents in another country, you might need to get an Apostille in California. An Apostille is like a special stamp that verifies your document and proves that it is valid and genuine. Now, how long does it take to get documents apostilled in California? Let us find out.

What is an Apostille?

Let us first understand an apostille before discussing how long it takes to get a document apostilled in California. An Apostille is a special certificate that authenticates your document worldwide. The nations participating in the Hague Apostille Convention use this expedited certificate procedure. It is a simple and quick process because it involves fewer steps.

Steps to Get an Apostille in California

Prepare Your Documents: First, you must ensure your documents are ready. They must be original and issued by a public authority, such as a country office birth certificate or a state university diploma. Your copies will not be accepted if they are not certified by the relevant authority.

Notarization (if required): Some documents, like school transcripts or diplomas, may need to be notarized. This means a notary public verifies the signature on the document.

Submitting Your Documents: You can submit your documents for apostille in person or by mail to the California Secretary of State’s office.

Processing Time: The processing time can vary depending on the situation. Let us understand this in detail.

In-Person Submission

If you submit your documents at the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento or Los Angeles, you can get them apostilled on the same day. However, it is always better to call beforehand and know how long it will take. If you go in person, it will take a few hours or a whole day.

Mail Submission

If you mail your documents, the process will naturally take longer. Here’s a rough timeline:

Mailing Time: Firstly, consider the time it takes for your documents to reach the Secretary of State’s office. If you’re mailing from within California, this usually takes 1-3 business days.

Processing Time: Once received, the Secretary of State’s office generally processes mailed requests within 5-10 business days. This can fluctuate depending on the number of requests they’re handling.

Return Mailing Time: After processing, the office will mail your documents. This can take 1-3 business days if you're within California.

So, if you’re using mail, you must wait about 2-3 weeks for the process to be completed.

For some, understanding the nuances of getting an apostille can be very confusing, and therefore, they end up in complications. The processing might take extra time, so stipulate unnecessary delay in your important task. In such a case, you can connect with a trustworthy and experienced agency to help you get an apostille in California.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Check Requirements: Before submitting your documents, ensure they meet all the requirements for an apostille. This means that you also make sure that notarizations are complete if needed.
Use Trackable Mail: When mailing your documents, use a service that provides tracking. This way, you can monitor the progress and confirm arrival.
Plan Ahead: To avoid stress, you can plan when you need the apostilled documents.
Consult an Agency: If you want smooth and hassle-free document verification, you can consult a document verification agency near you.

Conclusion

Getting documents apostilled in California can take a few hours for in-person submissions to a few weeks if done by mail. Understanding the steps involved and planning accordingly can help you get a smooth and timely process. Whether handling this on your own or using an expedited service, being prepared and informed is the key to success.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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