Apostilles

Important Notice

The staff of the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office are forbidden by California legal codes to practive law or provide legal advice; this prohibition includes giving advice about what forms you might need or how you should fill them out.

About Apostilles

The California Secretary of State provides authentication of public official signatures on documents to be used outside the United States of America. The country of destination determines whether the authentication is an Apostille or Certification.

How to get an Apostille

The County of Sonoma cannot provide apostilles. To obtain an apostille for a birth or death certificate:

1. Obtain a certified copy of the certificate from the Sonoma County Clerk's Office.
2. Mail the certified copy, required fee, and the name of the country in which the document is to be used to the California Secretary of State.

For more information, and for the fee schedule and mailing address, please visit the California Secretary of State website.

Apostille Pop-Up Shop Events

The California Secretary of State’s office is partnering with local county offices to bring in-person Apostille services to a location near you. Visit their website to see the most recent information about Pop-Up events. 

The Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor will be hosting the SOS for an Apostille Pop-Up Shop event on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.