Diploma Apostille Sacramento
From $150 · Notarize + Apostille in One Workflow
Diploma Apostille — What You Need to Know First
A diploma apostille is more complex than apostilling a government-issued public record. The California Secretary of State can only apostille a document signed by a California public official — and university administrators typically do not qualify as state public officials.
The standard workflow for diploma apostille in California:
- Notarization first. A university registrar or dean certifies a copy of the diploma (or provides an official letter), and a California notary public notarizes that signature. This is the step we perform.
- Apostille by CA SOS. The notarized diploma copy or certification letter is then eligible for apostille by the California Secretary of State, because the notary public’s signature is on file with the SOS. We hand-carry same-day.
Who Needs Diploma or Transcript Apostille in Sacramento?
Overseas Employment
Many countries require apostilled educational credentials for work permit applications — especially in medicine, engineering, education, and law. Common for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, and South Korea.
Teaching Abroad
Teaching certification and K–12 jobs in many countries require apostilled U.S. degrees and transcripts. Common for Middle East, South Korea, China, and EU countries.
Graduate School Abroad
International graduate programs often require apostilled undergraduate transcripts or diplomas as part of the admissions package.
Professional Licensing
Nursing, medical, legal, and engineering licensing boards in foreign countries commonly require apostilled U.S. credentials for foreign credential recognition.
Immigration & Visas
Skilled worker visa applications, points-based immigration systems (Canada, Australia, UK), and investor visa programs may require apostilled educational credentials.
Foreign Business Licensing
Starting a business or professional practice in some countries requires apostilled educational credentials alongside corporate documents.
Diploma Apostille Process — Step by Step
- Call (916) 856-7000 first. Tell us the destination country and what the foreign authority is asking for. Different countries have different requirements — we advise on the right document before you invest time in the wrong approach.
- Prepare the document. Obtain an official transcript with raised seal, a registrar certification letter, or a notarized copy of the original diploma — whichever applies to your situation.
- Notarization. A California notary public notarizes the registrar’s or certifier’s signature. We come to you in Sacramento or you bring the document to us.
- Hand-carry to CA SOS. The notarized document goes to the California Secretary of State Authentications Unit at 1500 11th Street. Same-day when received before 1 PM.
- Return and delivery. Apostilled diploma or transcript returned by hand-delivery, courier, or overnight shipping.
Diploma Apostille Pricing
Notarization + Apostille Bundle
$150 all-inclusive (state fee included). Includes the notarization step and same-day hand-carry to Secretary of State. One flat rate, one workflow.
Rush Diploma Apostille
$250 for time-critical processing — job start dates, school enrollment deadlines. Call to confirm availability for your timeline.
Transcript Apostille
Same pricing as diploma — $150 (state fee included). Official transcripts with registrar seal apostilled in the same workflow.
Diploma Apostille Sacramento FAQ
Can the original diploma be apostilled directly?
Usually not directly. Diplomas are signed by university officials, not California state officials, so they must be notarized by a California notary first. The notarized document is then eligible for apostille.
Transcript vs. diploma — which do I need?
Depends on what the foreign authority requires. Official transcripts with raised registrar seals often work. Some countries specifically ask for a diploma copy. Call to discuss your destination requirements before ordering anything.
Is same-day diploma apostille available?
Yes, when the notarization step is complete and the document is received before 1 PM. If notarization is also needed, same-day is usually achievable if we start before noon. Call to confirm.
What is the total cost?
$150 all-inclusive (state fee included) for standard service. Rush is $250. No hidden fees — flat-rate confirmed on the call before dispatch.
Can I mail my diploma to you?
Yes for the apostille step. Mail the notarized document to our office and we hand-carry and return overnight. If notarization is also needed, we need to see the original in person first.
Does apostille work for China?
Mainland China joined the Hague Convention in 2023. Confirm current acceptance with the Chinese authority receiving your documents, as implementation may vary by institution or province.