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 — privately drafted; a California notary public notarizes the officer’s signature (and can certify a copy of the POA). CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Prepare the POA, ideally referencing the board resolution authorizing the officer to execute it. The authorized officer 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. (If an authenticated copy is needed, the notary may instead/also execute a certified copy of the POA under §8211(e).) Who can sign it: An officer authorized (typically by board resolution) to grant a power of attorney for the corporation. Required forms: None statewide — the company’s own POA plus California notary wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 for the.
Frequently asked questions
Can a California notary certify a copy of our POA?
Yes — a power of attorney is the one private document a CA notary may copy-certify directly (Gov. Code §8211(e)), for $15. That certified copy can then be apostilled.
Who signs the corporate POA?
An officer authorized by the board (often evidenced by a resolution); that officer’s signature is notarized.
Do I need the board resolution apostilled too?
If the foreign authority wants proof of the officer’s authority, apostille the resolution and/or incumbency certificate as well — each a separate $20 apostille.
Is there a government fee?
No — it is a private instrument; 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).