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 nursing school registrar’s office (a lost original usually requires a replacement, often produced by an outside vendor over several weeks). A California notary public notarizes the registrar’s or custodian’s signature; use a mobile notary if the office has none. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the diploma (original, or a clear color copy for the custodian route). Either the registrar signs an authenticity statement, or the holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit — in the physical presence of a California notary, with acceptable ID. The notary completes a current California acknowledgment (official) or jurat (custodian affidavit), attaches it, and affixes the seal. Confirm legibility and that the commission number/expiration appear. Who can sign it: A school official (registrar) or the diploma.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as my RN license?
No — the RN/LVN license is a separate professional-license item (#161/#162) on the licensing-board verification route. This is the academic diploma.
For CGFNS, do I apostille the diploma?
CGFNS and many foreign boards want the diploma authenticated; the notarized-diploma apostille is the standard path. Confirm the exact requirement with the receiving body.
Can a California notary just stamp my diploma copy “true copy”?
No — use a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit (POA is the only copy a CA notary certifies directly).
Original or copy?
Either — the registrar can sign/notarize on the original, or you can apostille a notarized custodian copy.
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).