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. Check with each country's consulate or embassy to determine what that country requires for an authentication to be valid.

The Office of Vital Statistics does not 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/Recorder'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.