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 transcript (often as a sealed official transcript). A California notary public notarizes the registrar’s or custodian’s signature; if the registrar’s office has no notary, use a mobile notary. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Order the official transcript from the registrar. Either the registrar signs an official-record statement, or the holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit — in front of a California notary, with acceptable ID. The notary completes a current California acknowledgment (registrar) or jurat (custodian affidavit), attaches it, and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: The registrar / school official, or the transcript holder (for the custodian affidavit). Required forms: None.
Frequently asked questions
Can the registrar’s office notarize it for me?
Often yes — many have a notary; if not, use a mobile notary or the custodian-affidavit route on a copy.
Sealed official transcript vs. a copy?
A sealed official transcript with the registrar’s notarized signature is ideal; otherwise apostille a notarized custodian copy.
Can a CA notary certify the copy directly?
No — use a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit (POA is the only copy a CA notary certifies directly).
Is there a government fee?
No SOS fee beyond the apostille; the school may charge a transcript fee.
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).