Service · Apostille help
Apostille help and notarization for documents used abroad
SoHay Notary completes the California notarization for documents headed overseas and offers non-legal process support. Apostilles for California public documents are issued by the California Secretary of State, not by a notary.
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Shawn Silverman is a commissioned California Notary Public and a 2026 NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent. Credential images are shown for verification and trust, not as government endorsements.
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The split
Who does what in the apostille process
A California notary does not issue apostilles. Apostilles for California public documents are issued by the California Secretary of State. What SoHay Notary can do is complete an appropriate notarization when requested and help with non-legal logistics around the process.
Whether a document needs an apostille at all, and what form it must take, is set by the receiving agency or foreign authority, not by the notary. Ask the party that requested the document what it requires, and whether a specific notarial act, an acknowledgment or a jurat, is expected.
SoHay Notary does not give legal advice and cannot tell you what a foreign authority will accept. The notary completes the act that you or the receiving agency identifies, and records it as California law requires.
Steps
One way to approach a document going abroad
- 1. Find out what is required
- Ask the receiving agency or foreign party whether it needs an apostille or other authentication, and which notarial act it expects.
- 2. Prepare the document
- Have the complete document ready. If a jurat is needed, the signer signs in the notary's presence, so ask before signing.
- 3. Notarization
- SoHay Notary meets the signer, verifies identification, and completes the identified notarial act at the location you choose.
- 4. Authentication
- The California Secretary of State issues the apostille. SoHay Notary can help with non-legal process logistics, and the details of that support are agreed when you book.
Documents
Documents for international use that we notarize
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- A jurat, in which the signer signs in the notary's presence and takes an oath or affirmation.
- Powers of attorney
- Requested notarizations, and certified copies of powers of attorney under Probate Code section 4307.
- Letters and declarations
- Notarization of signatures on letters and other documents when a notarial act is requested.
- Other signed documents
- Documents where the signer or the receiving agency has identified the required notarial act.
Fees
Apostille support fees
California permits a maximum notarial fee of $15 for each signature taken for an acknowledgment and $15 for a jurat.
Travel and other non-notarial services are quoted separately and in advance. Any fees charged by the California Secretary of State are separate from SoHay Notary's charges.
Check availability and travel pricing
Send the document type, number of signers, appointment location, and preferred time for an accurate quote.
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Limits of apostille support
SoHay Notary is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We cannot issue an apostille, cannot decide whether your document needs one, and cannot choose the notarial act for you.
California notaries generally cannot certify copies of vital records or most other documents. Ask the issuing office if you need an official copy of a record.
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Common questions
Questions about apostille help
Does a California notary issue apostilles?
No. Apostilles for California public documents are issued by the California Secretary of State. SoHay Notary can complete an appropriate notarization when requested and help with non-legal process logistics, but cannot issue the apostille.
What does SoHay Notary do for an apostille request?
SoHay Notary completes the notarization that you or the receiving agency has identified, and offers non-legal process support. The details of that support are agreed when you book.
Who decides what my document needs?
The receiving agency or foreign authority decides what it requires. The signer or the receiving agency must identify the notarial act, because a California notary cannot choose it.
Can you tell me whether my document needs an apostille?
No. SoHay Notary does not give legal advice and cannot tell you what a foreign authority will accept. Ask the party that requested the document.
Can a notary certify a copy of my birth certificate?
Generally no. California notaries generally cannot certify copies of vital records or most other documents. One exception is a copy of a power of attorney under Probate Code section 4307.
How much does apostille support cost?
California permits a maximum notarial fee of $15 for each signature taken for an acknowledgment and $15 for a jurat. Travel and other non-notarial services are quoted separately in advance. Secretary of State fees are separate.
Schedule an appointment
Ask about apostille support
Hayward, California · Bay Area service by appointment
Call, text, or email with the document type, number of signers, preferred appointment time, and meeting location. We will confirm availability, required preparation, and pricing before the appointment.
- Hours
- Sunday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM
- Appointments
- By appointment only. Call or text for current availability.
- Based in
- Hayward, California, with mobile service available throughout the Bay Area.
Notarial inquiries only. Unsolicited sales and service solicitations will not receive a response.