How to Avoid CA Apostille Rejections
Concerned about CA apostille rejection? The California Secretary of State’s apostille desk is increasingly rejecting documents for notarization issues that are not covered in standard California notary public training. Below are some of the most common issues that result in rejections that both increase costs and delay apostille certifications.
No Translation of “Notary Public” on Bilingual Spanish-English POAs
Bilingual Power of Attorney (POA) documents written in both Spanish and English (commonly formatted in two columns) cannot translate the English title Notary Public to Notario Público or even Notario. In the Spanish-language section of the document, the CA State-commissioned notary must still be identified as a Notary Public. The title Notario Público is only allowed on POAs written entirely in Spanish.
Notary’s Name Must Match Stamp Exactly
The notary’s name, as written or typed on an acknowledgment, must match the name on their notary stamp exactly. For example, if the stamp reads John J. Jones, the notary cannot enter John Jones, J. Jones, or John Joseph Jones. They must print or write in John J. Jones. Acknowledgments with mismatched names are one of the biggest causes for rejections by the apostille desk. Notaries should also be careful to print or type their title, Notary Public, after their name on acknowledgments.
No Cross-Outs with Initialed Corrections on Notarial Certificates
Unlike real estate documents and other legal paperwork, notarial certificates that require apostille certification cannot contain initialed cross-out corrections. If the notary makes a mistake on a notarial certificate, they must complete a new certificate. Any crossed out alterations, even to the county, will result in a CA apostille rejection.
Avoid Delays Caused by CA Apostille Rejections
Double-check your documents before submission to prevent rejections that could cause unnecessary processing delays. If you have any questions about these changes, consult the California Secretary of State’s office or a professional notary association such as the National Notary Association for guidance.
Ask Before You Send Us the Document
If you would like us to review your notarized document to ensure it is in compliance, please email a scan to info@sfnotary.com. We will review it and get back to you with feedback promptly.
