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 CTC (credential is printed by the holder from the CTC Educator Page). 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): Log in to the CTC Educator Page and print the credential (the detailed version showing credential type, document number, and dates is best). The holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit attesting it is a true printout — 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 credential holder (document custodian). Required forms: None statewide; California jurat / Copy Certification by Document Custodian wording. Cost + timeline for THIS step.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CTC mail me a paper credential to apostille?
No — the CTC no longer issues paper credentials. You print your own copy from the CTC Educator Page and notarize a custodian affidavit on it.
Can a CA notary certify the printout directly?
No — use a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit (POA is the only copy a CA notary certifies directly).
Is this the same as a “teaching credential verification”?
No — an agency verification of credential status is a separate professional-license item (#196). This is the credential document itself.
Which print version should I use?
The detailed version showing credential type, document number, and validity dates — not just the framing 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).