California Birth Certificate Apostille Services
Need a California birth certificate recognized in another country? Stampology reviews your document, explains the requirements, and coordinates submission to the appropriate government authority on your behalf, available nationwide, with no office visit required.
What an apostille does for a birth certificate
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the appropriate government authority that authenticates the signature of the public official who signed your birth certificate. It does not validate the contents of the document, it confirms that the signature, the official's capacity, and the seal or stamp are genuine. Once attached, your birth certificate is recognized for legal use in countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Birth certificate apostilles are commonly required for dual citizenship applications, getting married abroad, immigration and visa processes, enrolling a child in school overseas, claiming an inheritance in another country, and international adoptions.
Authenticates the official signature
Issued by the appropriate government authority
Valid in Hague Convention countries
A certified copy of the birth certificate
An original certified copy is required, a plain photocopy or informational copy cannot be apostilled. As part of our review, we confirm your copy qualifies before anything is submitted.
County-issued copy
Issued by the county recorder (or county clerk) in the county where the birth occurred. We verify the signing official as part of your document review.
State-issued copy
Issued by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records. We verify the signing official and confirm eligibility as part of your review.
Not sure whether your copy qualifies?
Some certificates, for example those signed by a local health officer or local registrar, need an extra certification step before they qualify. Contact us before ordering a replacement document or mailing anything, and we'll review what you have and tell you exactly what's needed.
Our process
Requirements and processing times vary by document, issuing authority, and destination country, we confirm the details for your specific situation before anything is submitted.
- 1
Request a document review
Tell us about your birth certificate, where it was issued, and the destination country. No office visit is required.
- 2
Receive a quote and instructions
We review your document and provide a quote with document-specific instructions. Quotes itemize service charges, government fees, and shipping so you know exactly what to expect.
- 3
Provide the required documents
Send or provide your documents as directed in your instructions. Please contact us before ordering replacement documents or mailing anything.
- 4
We coordinate submission
We coordinate submission to the appropriate government authority and keep you updated during processing.
- 5
Receive your completed documents
Your apostilled birth certificate is returned using the agreed return method, with tracking options discussed in your quote.
Common issues we check for you
- Photocopies and informational copies cannot be apostilled, an original certified copy is required.
- Certificates signed by a local health officer or local registrar may need an extra certification step before they qualify.
- Destination-country requirements differ, and some countries also require a certified translation alongside the apostille.
- Requirements and processing times vary by document, issuing authority, and destination country.
Ready to get started?
Request a document review and quote from anywhere in the United States. We'll confirm the requirements, coordinate submission, and arrange return delivery — and we can coordinate a certified translation if your destination country requires one.
Request an Apostille QuoteFrequently asked questions
Do I need a county-issued or state-issued birth certificate?+
Either can work, as long as it is a certified copy signed by a recognized official. As part of our review, we confirm which official signed your certificate and whether any extra certification step is needed before submission.
What kind of copy do I need to provide?+
An original certified copy is required, a plain photocopy or informational copy cannot be apostilled. If you're unsure whether your copy qualifies, contact us before ordering a replacement and we'll review it first.
How much does a California birth certificate apostille cost?+
Costs depend on your document, destination, and return delivery choices. Your quote itemizes our service charges, the applicable government fees, and shipping so there are no surprises.
How long does the process take?+
Processing times vary by document, issuing authority, and destination country. We confirm the applicable estimate, when it begins, and return shipping options in your quote. Completion and delivery dates are not guaranteed.
Do I need to visit your office or live in California?+
No. We assist customers nationwide by mail and remotely. You do not need to visit our office to use this service.
Will the apostille work in every country?+
An apostille is used for countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. Other destinations may require a different authentication or legalization process. Tell us your destination country and we'll confirm the appropriate process.
Does the apostille include translation of the certificate?+
No. An apostille authenticates the official's signature, it does not translate the document. If the destination country requires a certified translation, we can help coordinate that as a separate service.
Stampology coordinates apostille processing assistance; apostilles are issued by the appropriate government authority. An apostille authenticates a public official's signature, official capacity, and seal or stamp where applicable, it does not verify document contents or guarantee acceptance for every purpose. Requirements, fees, and processing times vary by document, jurisdiction, and destination, and are itemized in your individual quote.