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
There is no government office to order from — you create the notarized package: 1. Prepare the operating agreement (current, in-effect version). Decide the vehicle: members/managers sign the agreement itself, OR a manager/member signs a CERTIFICATION that the attached is a true and correct copy. 2. The signer(s) sign BEFORE a CALIFORNIA notary public — bringing valid photo ID. 3. The California notary completes a California acknowledgment (Civil Code §1189 wording) with seal. The operating agreement is attached. 4. Confirm the notary’s name, commission number, and seal are legible and the notarial wording is California-compliant before submitting for apostille. Where to find a California notary. Banks/credit unions (often free or low cost for customers), UPS/shipping stores, mobile notaries (travel fee applies), and many law/escrow offices. Required forms. The operating agreement (or a.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a certified operating agreement from the Secretary of State?
No — it isn’t filed with the state. You notarize the signing/certification, and the SOS apostilles the notary.
What exactly gets notarized?
Either the members/managers’ signatures on the agreement, or a manager/member’s signature on a certification that the attached is a true and correct copy — before a California notary.
Does the notary have to be in California?
Yes — the California SOS only apostilles California notaries. Out-of-state notarizations go to that state’s SOS.
How much does the notary cost?
Up to $15 per signature (Gov. Code §8211); multiple signers cost more. Many banks notarize free for customers.
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).
