Quick facts
- Category: Professional License
- 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 BVNPT issues the LVN license; a duplicate wall certificate ($25) or Verification of Licensure ($100) can be requested from the Board (duplicate certificate via DCA BreEZe). A California notary public notarizes the custodian affidavit; use a mobile notary if needed. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the license document (wall certificate, license copy, or a Verification of Licensure). The licensee signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit attesting it is a true copy — in front of a California notary, with acceptable ID. The notary completes a current California jurat, attaches it, and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: The licensee (document custodian). Required forms: None statewide; California jurat / Copy Certification by Document.
Frequently asked questions
Is an LVN the same as an LPN abroad?
Many countries treat the California LVN as equivalent to an LPN — confirm the level the destination requires (some want an RN, #161).
What do I apostille — the wall certificate or a verification?
Either a notarized copy of the license/wall certificate (a $25 duplicate is a clean option), or a Verification of Licensure — both via a custodian affidavit.
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 BVNPT charges $100 for Verification of Licensure and $25 for a duplicate certificate.
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).