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Mailing Address: 191 E View Drive
Applegate, California 95703
Phone: (530) 354-2400
Shipping Address: 455 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, California 95603
Phone: (530) 354-2400
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Please call us with any questions, we are here to help!
Our staff is available Monday-Friday from 8 am to 7 pm to answer your questions and provide you easy to follow-step-by-step instructions. Please call us at 1-530-354-2400
Have you ever needed to have a document authenticated by the Secretary of State in order for it be accepted abroad? If so, American River Notary & Apostille can help. We offer complete end-to-end solutions which include fast California Apostille Certifications as well U S Department of State Authentications and Embassy Legalizations! Serving the cities of Auburn, Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and beyond!
The Authentication process can be a difficult and confusing process. In most cases, you will need to obtain an original or certified copy of the document you must apostille. Once received, the original document will be sent to the issuing office of authentications, such as the California Secretary of State or the US Dept of State, for an apostille. We are here to help!
The biggest challenge with the apostille process is the different document certification types, and the country in which the document will be be presented; each of these determines the type of certificate needed. In addition each, government agency has specific guidelines and requirements one must meet before the certified document is valid for an apostille or authentication. American River Notary & Apostille offers a commitment-free document review process to ensure your documents meet all necessary requirements for Apostille or Legalization.
After review of your documents, we will prepare, file, and obtain an apostille certification on all documents on your behalf. Then, all you need to do is send us your original documents, pay for services, and we will take care of the rest.
What Types of Documents Can We Process for a Fast California Apostille?
The apostille workload at the Secretary of State has increased significantly. Unfortunately, this is causing longer-than-usual turnaround times. We offer three service levels customized to fit your needs.
For a non-expedited apostille order, you should expect a delay of 30+ calendar days. We offer a Priority RUSH service with a turnaround time of 1-3 business days and a Expedited service that averages 7 – 10 business days.
What is a California Apostille?
How do you pronounce the word “apostille”, and what does it mean?
It is pronounced “Ahh Poh Steel“. It is a French word that translates to “Certification”.
What is the difference between “Hague” and “Non-Hague” countries?
Countries that are participants in the 1961 Hague Convention have agreed to accept an apostille cover sheet as the only authentication required for a document to be used in their country. The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State in the state of the document’s origination.
Can you help with authentications for “Non-Hague” countries?
Yes. Instead of the simplified “one-step” apostille process for Hague countries, you will typically require a 4-step process to authenticate your documents:
Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite or rush a U.S. Department of State authentication. As of October 2022, the average turnaround time is 6-8 weeks.
Can I apostille a document for use in the United States?
No, an apostille is only for a document intended for use in a foreign country.
What if I have a federal document, like an FBI Background Check?
Federal documents such as FBI background checks cannot be apostilled by California Secretary of State office. Instead, we will process them for you with the United States Department of State in Washington, DC.
My document is in a foreign language, Does it need to be translated prior to being sent for an apostille?
No – The California Secretary of State will issue an apostille for documents in a language other than English, but the notarization language must be in English. However, your intended recipient in a foreign country may require that a certified translation of the document be attached. In some cases, they want the notarized affidavit of translation also to have an apostille. Please check with requesting authority to be sure your documents will be accepted.
My documents are not notarized. Can you help?
Yes. We are a mobile notary service and can notarize your documents for you. If you are located outside of California we have a network of notary publics we can refer you to and in some states remote on line notary services are available.
How do you get the California apostille certifications so fast?
Some companies offer “Same Day” California apostilles. Why does your service take 2-3 business days?
Despite their claims, companies that advertise same-day California apostilles are deceiving you. Due to Covid, the procedures have changed and same-day service is no longer available until further notice. If documents are delivered in person to the California Secretary of State office, they will be ready for pickup in 2-3 business days. There are no exceptions to this procedure. We offer the fastest method possible to obtain a legitimate expedited California apostille.
How will I receive my documents once apostille is completed? Can you ship internationally to save me some time?
Which courier service should I use for return shipping?
You are welcome to use your own prepaid shipping label. If you would like us to handle your shipping, we will include the cost of FedEx on your invoice and provide you with a tracking number.
For domestic return shipping, we use FedEx Standard Overnight for expedited orders and FedEx 2-day for standard orders.
My documents were not notarized in California, can I still get a California apostille?
If I have certified copies of birth certificates (or death certificates), they should be good to go for apostille, right?
Maybe. For birth and death certificates, the California Secretary of State can issue an Apostille for the signatures of:
If your birth or death certificate was issued by a city- or county-level agency and has the signature of a Health Officer or County Registrar (e.g. Local Registrar, Registrar of Vital Records), prior to presenting it to our office for authentication, one of the following will be required: have that birth or death certificate certified by the county clerk’s office in the county in which it was issued, or obtain a certified copy of that birth or death certificate from the county recorder or State of California Department of Public Health. The signature, name, and title of the public official can be found at the bottom of a birth or death certificate. If you need to order updated vital records, you can visit your local health department or order online at VitalCheck.
Destination Weddings: I have been told that I need my birth certificate, passport, and something called a “Single Status Certificate” apostille for my destination wedding. Can you help with this?
I am planning to teach abroad, and I need an apostille for my teaching certificate, college diplomas, and school transcripts. Can you help?
Can I un-staple the apostille cover sheet from the original document and attach it to a copy?
Does an apostille cover sheet expire?
Schedule an Appointment
Contact
Mailing Address: 191 E View Drive
Applegate, California 95703
Phone: (530) 354-2400
Shipping Address: 455 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, California 95603
Phone: (530) 354-2400