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 vocational/trade school or 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, 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: An issuing official, or the certificate holder (custodian affidavit). Required forms: None statewide; California acknowledgment or jurat / Copy Certification by.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as my occupational license?
No — a state occupational license (cosmetology, contractor, etc.) is a professional-license item (#159+) on its own route. This is the training/completion certificate from the school.
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?
An issuing official, or the holder via a custodian affidavit, before a California notary.
Is there a government fee?
No SOS fee beyond the apostille.
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).