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: The accredited certification body issues the ISO certificate; a California notary public notarizes a signature on it or a sworn copy affidavit. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the current ISO certificate. Either have the certification body’s authorized representative sign a certification before a California notary (acknowledgment), or have a company officer prepare a sworn copy affidavit and the notary execute a jurat. The notary attaches the certificate and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: The certification body’s authorized representative, or the holding company’s officer (for a copy affidavit). Required forms: None statewide — the ISO certificate plus California notary acknowledgment or jurat wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026):.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs an ISO certificate for notarization?
The issuing certification body’s authorized representative, or a company officer attesting a true copy — before a California notary.
Does the SOS verify my ISO certification is real?
No — the SOS authenticates the notary’s signature only. The apostille doesn’t validate the certification’s substance.
My registrar is in another state/country — can California apostille it?
Only if a California notary performs the notarization; otherwise apostille through that jurisdiction.
Acknowledgment or jurat?
Use a jurat for a sworn copy affidavit; an acknowledgment if an authorized representative signs.
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).