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 insurer/broker issues the COI; a California notary public notarizes a signature on it or a sworn copy affidavit. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the COI from the insurer/broker. Either have an authorized representative sign a certification before a California notary (acknowledgment), or prepare a sworn copy affidavit 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 insurer/broker’s authorized representative or the insured (for a copy affidavit, the document custodian). Required forms: None statewide — the COI plus California notary acknowledgment or jurat wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 per notarized signature/jurat (Gov. Code §8211). Mobile/travel.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs the COI for notarization?
The insurer/broker’s authorized representative, or (for a copy affidavit) the insured as document custodian — before a California notary.
Is a COI enough, or do they want the policy?
Depends on the destination — some accept the notarized COI; others want a certified copy of the policy or an insurer letter. Confirm first.
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).