Quick facts
- Category: Academic
- Apostilled by the California Secretary of State (Sacramento or Los Angeles)
- Fee: $20 per document (mail) or $26 (walk-in) at the California Secretary of State
- Free document review before you pay any government fee
- Tracked outbound and return shipping included
What to know
Issuing office: None — the author writes the letter; a California notary public notarizes the author’s signature; use a mobile notary if needed. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): The author finalizes and signs the letter (ideally on letterhead, with title and contact). The author signs in the physical presence of a California notary, with acceptable ID. The notary completes a current California acknowledgment, attaches it, and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: The author (teacher/professor/counselor). For a copy, the holder can use a custodian affidavit (jurat). Required forms: None statewide; California acknowledgment (or jurat for a custodian copy) wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 per notarized signature (Gov. Code §8211). Mobile/travel fees.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs it for notarization — the school or the author?
The author (teacher/professor/counselor) signs before a California notary; the SOS authenticates the notary.
Does the apostille vouch for the content?
No — it authenticates the notary’s signature only, not the recommendation itself.
My professor is out of state — can California apostille it?
Only if a California notary notarizes the signature; otherwise the author notarizes and apostilles in their state.
Is there a government fee?
No — it is a private letter; the cost is the notary fee plus the apostille.
Common destinations
Countries this document is most often sent to (pulled from this page's own guidance). Every destination has its own rulebook — apostille (Hague) or full legalization (non-Hague).