One of the most common points of confusion in the apostille process is whether a document needs to be notarized first. The answer isn't the same for every document — and getting it wrong causes rejections, delays, and wasted trips to government offices.
Here's exactly how to know which category your document falls into.
Why the Document Type Is Everything
The California Secretary of State can only issue an apostille on a document that carries the signature or seal of a California public official. That's the rule that determines whether notarization is required.
Some documents already carry an official government signature or seal. Others don't — and that's where a notary comes in.
Documents That Do Not Need Notarization Before Apostille
State-issued and government-issued documents already carry an official seal and the signature of a public official. They go directly to the California Secretary of State for apostille without any notarization step.
These include:
Birth, death, and marriage certificates. Issued by the county clerk or California Department of Public Health, these documents carry an official seal that qualifies them for apostille directly. The certified copy must be an original issued by that office — not a photocopy, not a hospital copy.
Divorce decrees and court orders. Issued and certified by the Superior Court, these carry the court clerk's seal and go straight to apostille.
California Secretary of State documents. Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and other business filings issued by the Secretary of State already carry the appropriate authority for apostille.
FBI and Department of Justice background checks. These carry a federal or state official's signature. Note that FBI background checks go through the U.S. Department of State for apostille — not the California Secretary of State — because they are federal documents.
Documents That Require Notarization First
Privately prepared documents don't carry a government official's signature on their own. A California notary public is a commissioned state official — when they notarize a document, their signature and seal become the qualifying government credential that allows the California Secretary of State to issue an apostille.
Documents that typically require notarization before apostille include:
Powers of attorney. Whether financial, medical, or general, a power of attorney is a privately drafted document that must be notarized by a California notary before it can be apostilled.
Affidavits and sworn statements. Any personal declaration, affidavit of support, single status affidavit, or sworn statement needs notarization first.
Consent to travel letters. A notarized consent to travel letter for a minor traveling internationally requires notarization before the apostille step — though in practice, many countries accept the notarization alone without requiring an apostille on top.
Copies of diplomas and degrees. Since diplomas are issued by private institutions rather than government offices, a notarized copy or notarized statement is required before the California Secretary of State can apostille it.
Privately drafted legal documents. Agreements, declarations, and other documents prepared outside of a government office follow the same rule — notarization first, then apostille.
What Happens If You Skip the Notarization Step
The California Secretary of State will reject the submission. The documents come back to you with a rejection notice, and you'll need to have the notarization completed before resubmitting. That costs time — and if you're working against a consulate appointment, a visa deadline, or an international closing, it can cost you a lot more than that. Post 1 — What Is an Apostille?
How California Apostille by Miss LA Handles Both
Because Miss LA provides both notary and apostille services, documents that need both steps are handled together as one seamless process. We confirm upfront what your document requires, complete the notarization correctly, and move directly to apostille submission — no gap, no back and forth, no risk of the wrong step being skipped.
If you're not sure which category your document falls into, that's exactly the kind of question to ask before you do anything else. A quick conversation is usually all it takes to confirm. Miss LA Mobile Notary
Call or text (310) 910-8392 | Email info@misslamobilenotary.com | WhatsApp +1 310 910 8392