Apostilles
Important Notice
The staff of the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office are forbidden by
California legal codes to practice 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:
- Obtain a certified copy of the certificate from the Sonoma County Clerk's Office.
- 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.