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: None — the company prepares it; a California notary public notarizes a certifying signature or a sworn copy affidavit. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Finalize the financial statements (and attach the auditor’s report if the destination wants audited statements). An authorized officer signs a certification before a California notary (acknowledgment), or prepares a sworn copy affidavit and the notary executes a jurat. The notary attaches the certificate and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: An authorized officer (CFO, corporate secretary, or another officer with authority). Required forms: None statewide — the company’s own statements plus California notary acknowledgment or jurat wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 per notarized.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an audit report?
No — the audit report (registry #107) is the independent CPA’s opinion; the financial statements are the company’s own records, which may be unaudited.
Who signs for notarization?
An authorized officer (CFO, secretary, etc.), before a California notary.
Do they want audited or unaudited statements?
Confirm with the destination — if audited, attach the auditor’s report and keep the set together.
Does the apostille verify the figures are accurate?
No — it authenticates the notary’s signature only; it doesn’t validate the contents.
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).