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 university registrar’s office issues the diploma (a lost original usually requires a replacement through the school, often produced by an outside vendor over several weeks). A California notary public notarizes the registrar’s or custodian’s signature; if the office has no notary, use a mobile notary. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the diploma (original, or a clear color copy for the custodian route). Either the registrar signs an authenticity statement, or the holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit — in the physical presence of a California notary, with acceptable ID. The notary completes a current California acknowledgment (official) or jurat (custodian affidavit), attaches it, and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: A.
Frequently asked questions
Can a California notary just stamp my diploma copy “true copy”?
No — CA notaries can directly certify a copy only of a power of attorney. For a diploma, the holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit, which the notary jurat-notarizes.
Original or copy?
Either — the registrar can sign/notarize on the original, or you can apostille a notarized custodian copy. Many people keep the original and apostille a certified copy.
My university registrar has no notary — what now?
Arrange a mobile notary to the registrar’s office, or use the custodian-affidavit route on a copy.
Is there a government fee?
No SOS fee beyond the apostille; the university may charge for a replacement.
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).