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. California Secretary of State, Trademarks & Service Marks Unit. Order channels: - Mail: Secretary of State, Trademark Unit, P.O. Box 942870, Sacramento, CA 94277-2870 (written request for reproduction/certification). - Drop-off (in person): SOS Sacramento office (special handling fee applies). - Free (uncertified) PDF images are viewable via the California Trademark Search (TMbizfile.sos.ca.gov) — useful to identify the record, but NOT apostille-usable. Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Identify the mark exactly — registrant name and the service mark registration number (search at TMbizfile.sos.ca.gov). 2. Submit a written/in-person request to the Trademark Unit for a CERTIFIED copy of the filed registration — say “certified copy for apostille / international use.” 3. Pay the fees (below). Confirm the SOS certification stamp, signature, and State Seal.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the filed California service mark registration from the SOS Trademark Unit. Say “certified copy for apostille.”
What’s the difference from a trademark?
A service mark covers services; a trademark covers goods (#82). Same form and process, separate applications.
Is the free Trademark Search PDF enough?
No — it’s not certified. The apostille authenticates the SOS certification on a paid certified copy.
Is this my federal (USPTO) mark?
No — this is the California state registration. A USPTO mark is federal and handled by the U.S. Department of State.
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).