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 TEFL/TESOL provider. A California notary public notarizes the issuing official’s or custodian’s signature; use a mobile notary if needed. CA SOS Notary Public Section: (916) 653-3595. Notarized route (steps): Obtain the certificate (original/PDF printout, or a clear color copy for the custodian route). Either an issuing official signs an authenticity statement, or the holder signs a Copy Certification by Document Custodian affidavit — in front 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 provider official, or the certificate holder (custodian affidavit). Required forms: None statewide; California acknowledgment or jurat / Copy Certification by.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this apostilled?
Most countries’ employers and work-visa authorities require an apostilled TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach English abroad.
My course was online/out of state — can California apostille it?
Only if a California notary notarizes a California-based holder’s custodian affidavit; otherwise apostille through the provider’s state.
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).
Who signs it?
A provider official, or the holder via a custodian affidavit, before a California notary.
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).