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: The registrar issues the letter on letterhead. A California notary public notarizes the official’s signature; use a mobile notary if the office has none. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Request the degree verification letter (graduate, degree type/major, conferral date). The school official 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 registrar / authorized school official. Required forms: None statewide; California acknowledgment wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): Up to $15 per notarized signature (Gov. Code §8211). Mobile/travel fees unregulated. Usually same-day once issued. What the SOS needs.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a diploma?
The diploma is the credential; this letter confirms the degree was conferred (type, major, date) — useful when the diploma is unavailable or a letter is preferred.
How is it different from graduation verification?
Degree verification confirms the awarded degree; graduation verification confirms graduation/completion. The destination decides which it wants.
Who signs it?
The registrar / school official, before a California notary.
Is there a government fee?
No SOS fee beyond 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).