California Marriage Certificate Apostille
A California Marriage Certificate Apostille is the key to having your marriage recognized abroad. Complete guide with step-by-step instructions, requirements, fees, and country-specific information for 2025.
California Marriage Certificate Apostille at a Glance
| Document Needed | Certified California marriage certificate (long-form, issued by County Clerk/Recorder) |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | California Secretary of State – Apostille Section (Sacramento or Los Angeles office) |
| Purpose | Authenticates the County Clerk/Recorder's signature for recognition abroad |
| Where Valid | In 100+ countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g. Spain, Italy, India) |
| Not Valid For | Non-Hague countries (e.g. China) – these require consular legalization instead |
| Standard Fee | $20 per apostille (per document) |
| Processing Time | Same-Day in person; ~2-3 weeks by mail |
| Submission Methods | In person (Sacramento or L.A.) or by mail (Sacramento office only) |
| Special Requirements | Include a cover sheet with destination country; use original certified documents (no photocopies) |
📘 Important Basics
What is an Apostille? An apostille is a certificate issued by the California Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of the public official's signature on your marriage certificate. It confirms that your marriage certificate is genuine and was signed by a recognized California County Clerk or Recorder, so that it will be accepted in another country.
Why Do I Need One? You need an apostille if you plan to use your marriage certificate in a foreign country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. Examples include using your California marriage certificate to register a marriage abroad, apply for spousal immigration visas, citizenship by marriage, name changes, or any legal process overseas.
How It Works: The California Secretary of State confirms the County official's signature on your marriage record and then issues the apostille. The apostille does not validate the content of the marriage certificate; it only certifies the signature and seal are authentic.
Hague Convention Member Countries: Apostilles are accepted by over 100 countries worldwide that joined the Hague Apostille Convention. This includes most of Europe and the Americas, plus many in Asia and beyond.
⚠️ Beware of Pitfalls
Even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Avoid these common errors:
- • Submitting a Photocopy: Photocopies or notarized copies of a marriage certificate are not accepted for apostille. You must use a certified original issued by the County or State.
- • Wrong Certificate Type: Ensure you have a certified copy with a signature of an appropriate official. Informational copies might confuse foreign authorities.
- • Older Certificates: Some countries insist the marriage certificate was issued within the last 3-6 months. Consider ordering a new certified copy if yours is old or damaged.
- • Missing Cover Sheet Info: Always fill out the cover sheet with the destination country.
- • Not Checking the Signer: Your certificate should be signed by the County Clerk-Recorder. If signed by a deputy registrar, you may need additional certification.
🌎 Quick Tips for Special Situations
Applying from outside the U.S. or have special situations? Here's what you need to know:
- • If You're Applying from Outside the U.S.: You can mail your documents to the California Secretary of State from overseas. Use a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS) with tracking both ways.
- • Regional Offices in California: You have two in-person options: Sacramento (main office) or Los Angeles (regional office). The L.A. office offers same-day apostille service, no appointment needed.
- • Long Form vs. Short Form Certificates: California marriage certificates are generally issued in a long-form certified copy. If you have an older abbreviated version, obtain a full long-form certified copy from the County Recorder.
- • Translations: California issues the apostille and marriage certificate in English only. If the destination country's official language is not English, you'll need to get the document translated after obtaining the apostille.
🔴 Critical "Do Nots"
Important: These actions will invalidate your document or cause rejection:
- • Do NOT Alter or Laminate: Do not laminate, alter, or add extraneous markings to your certified marriage certificate. Submit it in its original state.
- • Do NOT Remove Staples: If your marriage certificate was issued as a multi-page document stapled by the issuing office, do not remove any staples or binding.
- • Do NOT Apostille Non-CA Documents in CA: The California Secretary of State can only apostille documents issued in California.
- • Do NOT Forget the Country of Use: Always specify the destination country for your apostille.
- • Do NOT Expect Content Changes: An apostille will not change or verify personal info on your marriage certificate. It purely authenticates the existing document.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted Documents for Apostille
- • California Certified Marriage Certificates – issued by a County Recorder/County Clerk or the California Department of Public Health (State Registrar). These must bear the signature and seal of an appropriate public official.
- • Recent Certified Copies – it's best if the certificate is a recently issued copy (to ensure the official's signature is on file and up-to-date).
- • County Clerk "Certified" Vital Records – If a marriage certificate was first certified by a County Clerk (as an intermediate step), that final County Clerk certification makes it acceptable.
Not Accepted for Apostille
- • Photocopies of Vital Records (Uncertified): A plain photocopy or printer scan of a marriage certificate will be rejected.
- • Ceremonial or Church Marriage Certificates: Anything issued by a church, chapel, or wedding officiant is not an official record and cannot be used.
- • Marriage Certificates from Other States or Countries: You cannot apostille a Nevada marriage certificate through California, for example.
- • Informational Copies (not recommended): While technically apostillable, they are marked as not valid for identity and foreign officials may reject them.
- • Documents with Alterations or Illegibility: Any signs of tampering will result in rejection.
Requirements Checklist
Before you submit your apostille request, make sure you have all the following ready to go:
MUST HAVE
- ✔️ Certified California Marriage Certificate: An authorized, certified copy of the marriage certificate. It should be a long-form version issued by a County Recorder/Clerk or the State (CDPH) with an official signature and seal. No photocopies!
- ✔️ Apostille Request Cover Sheet: A completed cover sheet indicating the country where the document will be used. Include your return mailing address and contact info.
- ✔️ Payment: Prepare the fee payment of $20.00 per apostille. For mail: include a check or money order payable to "Secretary of State."
- ✔️ Self-Addressed Return Envelope: Mail submissions must include a self-addressed envelope for the return of your document with tracking.
- ✔️ Valid Identification (for in-person): If you are going in person, bring a government-issued ID.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Correct Signature: Ensure your marriage certificate is signed by the County Clerk-Recorder. If signed by a different official, you may need County Clerk certification first.
- Destination Country Matters: Always specify which country you need the apostille for on your cover sheet.
- Document Condition: The certificate must be in good condition – no tears, water damage, or alterations.
- Processing Times: Check current wait times on the CA Secretary of State website. In-person is same-day; mail takes 2-3 weeks.
How to Apostille a California Marriage Certificate – Step by Step
Getting your marriage certificate apostilled is straightforward if you follow these steps in order:
Obtain a Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate
Make sure you have an official certified copy of your marriage certificate from California. If you were recently married, use the certified copy provided by the County Clerk/Recorder. If you don't have one, request a new certified copy from the county or state. The document must have the county's raised seal or stamp and an official's signature.
Prepare the Apostille Request Cover Sheet
Download or create the Apostille Request Cover Sheet. Key information to include: your name and contact info, return mailing address, and the country of intended use (very important). For in-person requests, you can fill out a short form at the counter.
Include Payment
Prepare your payment of $20 per document. If mailing, a check or money order to "Secretary of State" is required. For in-person, you can pay by credit card or cash (Sacramento only). In-person requests have an extra $6 special handling fee, so one certificate = $26 total.
Submit Your Documents
By Mail: Assemble your packet and mail to Sacramento. Current processing time is about 2-3 weeks.
By USPS:
Notary Public Section
P.O. Box 942877
Sacramento, CA
94277-0001
By Courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL):
Notary Public Section
1500 11th Street, 2nd
Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
In Person: Visit Sacramento (1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor) or Los Angeles (300 South Spring Street, Room 125 13) office. No appointment needed. Sacramento accepts cash, card, check, money order. Los Angeles accepts card, check, money order only (no cash).
Receive the Apostilled Marriage Certificate
In Person: You'll receive your certificate immediately with the apostille attached. By Mail: The Secretary of State will mail back your original marriage certificate with the apostille attached using the envelope you provided.
Use the Apostilled Certificate Abroad
Now you're set to use your California marriage certificate internationally. Present the apostilled document to the relevant foreign office. If translation is required, get it done after you have the apostille.
Apostille Use in Specific Countries
When using your California marriage certificate overseas, it helps to know country-specific requirements:
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain is a Hague Convention member. For Spanish bureaucratic processes, you'll need the apostilled marriage certificate plus a Spanish translation by an official Sworn Translator (Traductor Jurado). Spanish authorities often prefer recent issuance (within 3-6 months).
🇩🇪 Germany
Germany accepts apostilles from California. When presenting your marriage certificate in Germany, the apostille suffices – no consular visit required. A certified German translation may be required by local authorities.
🇮🇹 Italy
Italy is very strict about vital records. They require an apostille on your marriage certificate and typically demand a recently issued long-form certificate. After obtaining the apostille, you'll need a professional Italian translation.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico is a Hague Convention member since 1995. A California marriage certificate with apostille will be recognized by Mexican authorities. Mexican offices typically require a Spanish translation by an official translator (Perito Traductor).
🇮🇳India
India joined the Hague Convention in 2005. Indian authorities will accept the California apostille. India generally does not require translations for English documents since English is an official language there.
🇦🇪 UAE
The UAE acceded to the Hague Convention (effective mid-2024). A California apostille will be accepted by UAE authorities. An Arabic translation may be required when submitting to government offices.
🇨🇳 China
Note: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023. An apostille is now accepted for documents between the U.S. and China, eliminating the previous consular legalization requirement.
🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazil is a member of the Apostille Convention since August 2016. A California apostilled marriage certificate will be accepted in Brazil. A Portuguese translation by a sworn translator (Tradutor Juramentado) is usually required.
🇫🇷 France
France is a founding member of the Hague Convention. Your apostilled California marriage certificate will be recognized by French authorities. Translations should be done by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté) in France.
🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea joined the Apostille Convention in 2007. A California apostille on your marriage certificate is valid for use in South Korea. You'll likely need a Korean translation for submission to local offices.
General Rule: If the country is a Convention member, the apostille is all you need. If not, you'll need consular legalization. Always verify current requirements with the country's embassy or receiving authority.
Apostille Fees in California (and Other Costs)
Getting an apostille isn't free, but California's fees are relatively straightforward:
| Item or Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| California Apostille (per document) | $20.00 |
| Special Handling Fee (in-person) | $6.00 per signature (in addition to $20) |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate | $17.00 per copy (from County or State) |
| Mailing Costs | Varies (recommend tracked courier: $20-$30) |
| Translation (if required) | Varies ($50-$100 for certified translation) |
| Professional Service (Optional) | Varies ($100+ plus state fees) |
Payment Methods: For mail requests: check or money order payable to "Secretary of State". In person: card (Visa/MasterCard), check, money order, or cash (Sacramento only). No expedited processing fee available – all requests processed in order received.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We've compiled answers to the most common questions about California marriage certificate apostilles:
What exactly is an apostille, in simple terms?
An apostille is a specialized certificate attached to your document (in this case, a marriage certificate) that verifies the signature and authority of the official who signed the document. Think of it as internationally recognized notarization by the state.
Who issues the apostille for my California marriage certificate?
The California Secretary of State's office is the competent authority that issues apostilles for California documents. Within the Secretary of State, the Notary Public Section handles apostilles.
Do I need to get my marriage certificate notarized before getting an apostille?
No! Do not notarize a civil marriage certificate. In fact, notarizing a vital record will invalidate it. A marriage certificate issued by the county is already an official certified document. The apostille authenticates the county clerk's signature, not a notary's.
Can I use a photocopy of my marriage certificate for the apostille?
No. You must use an original certified copy. Photocopies are explicitly not accepted for apostille, even if you tried to have a notary certify the copy.
What's the difference between an authorized copy and an informational copy?
California authorized vs informational copies contain the same information, but authorized copies are available only to entitled individuals (like the spouses, parents, or certain family members), while informational copies are available to the general public and have a legend saying they're not valid for establishing identity. For apostilles, use an authorized copy to avoid potential rejection by foreign authorities.
How long does it take to get a California apostille for a marriage certificate?
If you go in person to Sacramento or Los Angeles, it's same-day service. If you mail your request to Sacramento, the typical turnaround time is about 2-3 weeks (check the SOS website for current processing times, as these can occasionally vary).
Can I walk into any California government office to get my apostille?
No. Apostilles in California are only issued at two locations: Sacramento (main office) or Los Angeles (regional office). You cannot get an apostille from your local county clerk or city hall.
What if my marriage certificate is very old (issued many years or decades ago)?
That's not necessarily a problem for the apostille itself. However, some foreign authorities prefer fresh copies (issued within the past 3-6 months). If your original certified copy is worn, torn, or the signature is difficult to verify, consider ordering a brand-new certified copy from the county before submitting for apostille.
Is an apostille valid in all countries worldwide?
No. An apostille is only valid in the 120+ countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. Non-Hague countries require a longer authentication process: state authentication → U.S. Department of State authentication → consular legalization.
Do I need to translate my marriage certificate before or after apostille?
Generally, you should get the apostille first (in English), then have it translated. The translator typically translates both the marriage certificate and the apostille page. In some countries, the translator's signature will also need notarization.
How many certified copies should I order?
It depends on how many foreign agencies or offices will require an original apostilled copy. Some people order 2-3 certified copies and get each apostilled separately. This way, you can submit originals to multiple places (embassy, consulate, local registrar) without worrying about having to retrieve them.
Can I apply for an apostille if I live outside California or outside the U.S.?
Yes. You can submit by mail from any location. Just use a reliable courier service (FedEx, UPS, DHL) with tracking and include a prepaid return label. Keep in mind international shipping can be slow, so plan ahead.
Is there any way to expedite or rush the apostille process in California?
The only way to get same-day service is to go in person to Sacramento or Los Angeles (no appointment required). There's no separate "rush" fee for mail requests; they're processed in the order received. Professional apostille services may offer in-person drop-off/pickup for a fee.
What should I do if my apostille request is rejected?
The Secretary of State will return your document with a letter explaining why it was rejected. Common reasons include: (1) photocopy instead of certified original, (2) signature not on file, (3) certificate not from California, or (4) document altered or damaged. Fix those issues and resubmit.
Can someone else pick up my apostilled document in person if I can't go myself?
Yes, you can authorize a representative to drop off or pick up on your behalf. California does not require special written authorization for apostille requests. The representative should have their own valid ID and be ready to pay the fees.
Does an apostille have an expiration date?
The apostille itself doesn't expire. However, the receiving country or agency may have policies on how current they want the document to be. Some countries require the marriage certificate or apostille to be issued within 3-6 months of submission. Always check with the institution where you'll submit it.
What should I include in my return mailing envelope?
Use a large, sturdy envelope (9×12 or larger) to avoid folding your document. Include proper postage or a prepaid courier label. Write your return address clearly. If you're in the U.S., Priority Mail or a tracked service is best. From outside the U.S., use DHL, FedEx, or UPS return service.
Can I get a refund if I made a mistake and need to resubmit?
Generally no. If the apostille is rejected due to your error (wrong document type, incorrect form, etc.), the $20 fee is non-refundable. Double-check everything before submitting to avoid losing both time and money.
Do I need County Clerk certification before the Secretary of State apostille?
Usually not for marriage certificates. If the certificate is issued and signed by the County Clerk-Recorder or State Registrar, that signature is typically on file with the Secretary of State. If it's signed by a deputy registrar or local health officer whose signature is not on file, then Yes - you would need an extra County Clerk certification step first.
What if I got married in another state but live in California now?
You must get your apostille from the state where the marriage took place. For example, if you married in Nevada, only the Nevada Secretary of State can apostille that marriage certificate.
Can I track the status of my mail-in apostille request?
The California Secretary of State does not currently offer online status tracking for individual apostille requests. You can call their Notary Public Section for an update if it's been longer than the posted processing time.
Is there a maximum number of apostilles I can request at once?
There's no official limit, but if you're submitting many documents at once, consider separating them into different envelopes to reduce processing confusion and risk of loss. You'll also need to include the correct fee for each document.
Will the apostille change the content or appearance of my marriage certificate?
The apostille is typically attached to your document as a separate page (often with a staple), or it may be affixed directly to the back. The certificate itself is not altered. The apostille is a standardized form under the Hague Convention.
Do I need a separate apostille for the translation of my marriage certificate?
Not always. Many countries accept an apostilled marriage certificate plus a certified translation. If the translation must be notarized, you'd get an apostille on the notarized translator's statement. Consult with the receiving authority for their specific requirements.
What happens if my document is lost in the mail?
This is why you should always use tracked shipping. If your document is lost, you'll need to order a new certified copy of your marriage certificate and start the apostille process again. Consider insurance if the replacement would be costly or time-consuming.
"Always verify that your marriage certificate is signed by the County Clerk-Recorder, not just any deputy or registrar. If the signature isn't recognized by the California Secretary of State, you'll face delays or rejection. Also, if your destination country's language is not English, line up a certified translator before the apostille arrives – it saves time and prevents last-minute scrambling."
AI Quick Summary
To get a California marriage certificate apostilled for use abroad: (1) obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk or State; (2) complete the Apostille Request Cover Sheet and include payment of $20; (3) submit in person (Sacramento or L.A., same day) or by mail (2-3 weeks); (4) receive the apostilled certificate. The apostille verifies the official's signature for use in 120+ Hague Convention countries. No notarization needed for vital records. Translations should be done after apostille.