Apostille & Document Authentication Services
Need a document authenticated for use in another country? Coastal Notary & Apostille handles the entire process for you — from obtaining your apostille through the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State, to embassy and consular legalization for countries outside the Hague Convention. We serve clients throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area, with mail-in service available from all 50 states.
What Is An Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be recognized in foreign countries. It is issued under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention, which is an international treaty simplifying the legalization process between member nations.
You may need an apostille if you are:
Relocating abroad
Work visas, residency applications, and immigration packages often require apostilled documents.
Studying internationally
Foreign universities and licensing boards require authenticated diplomas, transcripts, and credentials.
Conducting business overseas
Corporate documents, powers of attorney, and contracts used in foreign countries must be apostilled.
Marriage or adoption abroad
Birth certificates, single-status affidavits, and other vital records commonly require an apostille.
Documents We Handle
Birth, death & marriage certificates
Diplomas & academic transcripts
Powers of attorney
Notarized affidavits & declarations
Corporate & business documents
FBI background checks
Immigration & visa documents
Court & legal documents
Single status & no-record letters
Adoption paperwork
How it works:
Contact us
Reach out by phone or our online form. Tell us your document type and the destination country.
Submit your documents
Drop off in person (South Bay area) or mail your documents to us from anywhere in the U.S.
We process everything
We handle all submission to the CA Secretary of State, U.S. Dept. of State, or embassy as needed.
Documents returned
Your authenticated documents are returned to you via secure mail or in-person delivery.
Service Options & Pricing
All pricing below is per-document. Pricing varies based on the issuing authority, destination country, and turnaround time needed.
Hague Convention Countries
For countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention. Authentication is handled through the CA Secretary of State.
Regular
3–5 business days
1st document $229 2nd document $100 3rd+ (each additional) $89
Expedited
1–2 business days
1st document $290 2nd document $150 3rd+ each additional $100
Emergency
Same day
1st document $310 each additional $175
CA + U.S. Dept. of State
11–13 weeks
1st document $342 2nd+ each additional $187
U.S. Dept. of State Only
For federally issued documents such as FBI background checks, federal court records, or documents originating outside California.
Standard
10–12 weeks
1st document $312 2nd+ each additional $161
Expedited
5–6 weeks
1st document $392 2nd+ each additional $222
Non-California (Expedited)
1st document $380
Additional fees may apply if state-level certification is required.
Mail-In Service (All 50 States)
Not local? We accept documents mailed from anywhere in the U.S.
CA Regular
1st doc (standard) $135 2nd doc (standard) $111
1st doc (expedited) $250 2nd+ each additional (expedited)$110
CA + U.S. Dept. of State
1st doc (standard) $301 2nd doc (standard) $212
1st doc (expedited)$371 2nd+ each additional (expedited)$282
U.S. Dept. of State Only
1st doc (standard) $261 2nd+ each additional (standard)$161
1st doc (expedited) $331 2nd+ each additional (expedited) $231
Embassy & Consular Authentication
For countries outside the Hague Convention that require legalization through their embassy or consulate. Available in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco.
1st doc — LA$ 60 2nd+ each additional— LA $20
1st doc — outside LA $75 2nd+ each additional— outside LA $55
Cancellation / Reschedule / No show Fee policy
Order cancellation (pre-submit) - $25
Cancellation after submission - Non-refundable
No-show for document pickup - $25 + rescheduling required
Processing delay (client-caused) - $15 reprocessing fee