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 high school / district registrar issues the letter on letterhead. A California notary public notarizes the official’s signature; use a mobile notary if the registrar’s office has none. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Request the graduation verification letter from the registrar (student name, graduation date, diploma awarded). 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 / principal / 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)..
Frequently asked questions
When would I use this instead of the diploma?
When the diploma is lost or a replacement is slow, or the destination accepts a verification letter — it’s often faster than ordering a replacement diploma.
Who signs it?
A school official (registrar/principal), before a California notary.
Does it need school letterhead?
Yes — it should be on official letterhead with the student name, graduation date, and diploma awarded.
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).