Affidavit Notarization, Apostille, and Legalization
SF Notary + Apostille administers oaths, notarizes affidavits, and obtains apostilles and consular legalizations for affidavits being presented abroad.
Whether you are in California, another state, or overseas, SF Notary + Apostille can coordinate the notarization, apostille or authentication, and worldwide delivery of an affidavit intended for use abroad.
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement in which the signer declares that the information provided is true. Affidavits are frequently used in international legal, financial, immigration, property, family, and business matters.
An affidavit generally requires a jurat, which means the signer must personally appear before a notary public, take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true, and sign the document in the notary’s presence.
The organization receiving the affidavit should tell you what information the document must contain and whether notarization, an apostille, or additional legalization is required. Because we are not attorneys, we cannot draft an affidavit or advise you about its legal contents.
What Is an Affidavit Apostille?
A California apostille authenticates the signature and authority of the California notary public whose certificate appears on the affidavit. It does not verify the statements contained in the affidavit or determine whether the document will be accepted by the receiving party.
Documents intended for countries that do not participate in the Convention may require additional authentication by the U.S. State Department and legalization by the embassy or consulate. Requirements vary by country and receiving organization. Tell us where the affidavit will be used, and we will explain the document-authentication process that generally applies.
Full-Service Affidavit Notarization and Apostille Service
SF Notary + Apostille can coordinate the entire process, including:
Mobile affidavit notarization throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area
Administration of the required oath or affirmation
California Secretary of State apostille service
U.S. State Department authentication and embassy or consulate legalization when required
Document pickup, courier service, and FedEx shipping
Scanning and review of the completed document before shipment
Delivery to you, your attorney, or another recipient in the United States or overseas
If another California notary has already notarized your affidavit, email us a clear scan before shipping the original. We can check the notarial certificate for common problems that could delay or prevent the apostille.
How to Obtain an Apostille for an Affidavit
Step 1: Send Us the Details
Email info@sfnotary.com with:
Your name, physical location, and telephone number
A copy of the affidavit if you would like us to review it
The country where the affidavit will be used
A scan if the affidavit was already notarized
Your requested completion date
The recipient’s complete shipping information, if available
Please include the recipient’s name, company, street address, city, postal code, country, telephone number, and email address.
Step 2: Receive a Quote and Instructions
We will review the request and provide a quote based on the notarization location, destination country, number of documents, required processing, turnaround time, and shipping destination.
We will also explain whether the affidavit generally requires an apostille or a longer authentication and legalization process.
Step 3: Have the Affidavit Notarized
Do not sign the affidavit in advance of your notary appointment. The notary must administer an oath or affirmation and witness you sign the document.
If you are in San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay Area, one of our mobile notaries can travel to your home, office, hospital, hotel, assisted-living facility, or another convenient location.
If another California notary handles the notarization, we recommend sending us a scan afterward so we can review the notarial certificate for common notary mistakes before you ship the original.
Step 4: We Obtain the Apostille or Legalization
After receiving the properly notarized original, we will submit it for the required California apostille or authentication. If the destination country requires additional embassy or consulate legalization, we can coordinate those steps as well.
Step 5: We Scan and Ship the Completed Document
Once the apostille or legalization process is complete, we can email you a scan and ship the original by FedEx Priority Overnight within the United States or FedEx International Priority to most overseas destinations.
Can You Apostille an Affidavit That Was Notarized in Another State?
An affidavit notarized by a notary commissioned in another state generally must receive its apostille from the competent authority in that state. The California Secretary of State can authenticate the signature of a California notary public but cannot apostille the signature of a notary commissioned in another state.
We have apostille resources in some other states. Please email us a scan of the notarized document and share the destination country. We will review it and provide you with options.
Can You Apostille an Affidavit That Is Already Notarized?
Yes, provided the affidavit was properly notarized by a California notary public and the original notarial certificate meets California requirements. Email us a clear scan before shipping the original so we can check for common problems that could delay the apostille.
Can You Notarize an Affidavit Written in Another Language?
A California notary may notarize a foreign-language affidavit if the signer understands the document and can communicate directly with the notary without an interpreter. The notarial certificate must be in English and comply with California requirements.
Send us a copy of the affidavit before scheduling so we can review the notarial wording and identify any practical issues.
Contact Us About an Affidavit Apostille
For assistance with affidavit notarization, apostille, authentication, legalization, or international shipping, email info@sfnotary.com, call +1 (415) 655-9455, or book a notary appointment online.
SF Notary + Apostille
459 Fulton Street #303
San Francisco, CA 94102
+1 (415) 655-9455
Disclaimer: Information on this website is for informational purposes only. These instructions are based on our knowledge and experience and are meant to be helpful; however, they might contain errors. Please let us know if you encounter mistakes so that we can promptly correct them. SF Notary + Apostille is not a law firm, and its agents are not attorneys. Please contact a licensed attorney or your local bar association for counsel on legal matters.