Signature Authentication for Apostille

If the proof of a birth or death is sent to another country for official purposes, the other country may require you to obtain an apostille from the California Secretary of State office. The signature of the local health registrar is not available in the California Secretary of State’s records. The County Clerk must authenticate the birth or death certificate before the California Secretary of State office can provide you with the apostille service.

To obtain authentication of a birth or death certificate, you must come in person or mail us the certified copy of the birth or death certificate, including payment. If requesting by mail, please include a cover letter requesting signature authentication and a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the authenticated birth or death certificate to you.

Once you have received the authentication from our office, you can proceed with the apostille process with the Secretary of State’s office.