California Bill of Lading Apostille

Proving shipment and title for customs, banks (letters of credit), and foreign authorities; supporting cargo-release, claims, or litigation abroad; and completing the trade-documentation set with the invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin. Common destinations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Mexico, and other Hague members.

Your documents stay yours. We handle your documents and personal information only to complete your apostille — never sold, shared, or used for marketing by third parties.

Quick facts

Category: Business / Corporate
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: The carrier/freight forwarder issues the B/L; a California notary public notarizes a signature on it or a sworn copy affidavit attaching it. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the issued B/L. Either have an authorized signer sign a certification before a California notary (acknowledgment), or prepare a sworn copy affidavit swearing the attached copy is true and complete and have the notary execute a jurat. The notary attaches the certificate and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: The issuing carrier/forwarder’s authorized representative or the exporter (for a copy affidavit, the document custodian). Required forms: None statewide — the B/L plus California notary acknowledgment or jurat wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 per.

Frequently asked questions

Should I apostille the original B/L?

Usually no — the negotiable original is a document of title needed to release cargo. Apostille a notarized copy or certification instead, if the destination accepts it.

Who signs for notarization?

The issuing carrier/forwarder’s authorized representative, or (for a copy affidavit) the document custodian — before a California notary.

Acknowledgment or jurat?

Use a jurat for a sworn copy affidavit; an acknowledgment if an authorized party signs a certification.

Is there a government fee?

No — it is a private document; 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).

Compliant with the rules that actually get documents accepted