Same-day apostille FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Do you offer apostille courier service in Los Angeles?
Yes. Our same-day service is courier service: we pick your documents up anywhere in Los Angeles, a bonded staff member hand-carries them to the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, waits in the expedited line, and returns the apostilled originals to you the same day. No mailboxes, no shipping labels — see Los Angeles County apostille for standard timelines.
Can every document get a same-day apostille?
Not every document qualifies for same-day processing. Eligibility depends on the issuing authority, the document type, and what time of day we receive the paperwork. California-issued vital records and notarized documents are usually the best same-day candidates. We confirm in writing whether your case qualifies before you book.
What is the cutoff time for same-day apostille service?
For same-day filing at the California Secretary of State Los Angeles office, we generally need clean, notarized documents in hand by mid-morning. After that, next-business-day filing is usually the realistic target. We give you a hard cutoff in writing when you contact us.
How much does a same-day apostille cost in Los Angeles?
Same-day California apostille service starts at $325 for one personal document or $400 for one business or corporate document. Each total combines the applicable base price with the $150 under-24-hour expedite fee. The base price includes California's $20 apostille fee. The state's $6 in-person handling fee, pickup, courier, and notarization may cost extra. We confirm the exact total before proceeding.
Do my documents need to be notarized first?
Many personal and business documents must be notarized before an apostille can be issued. State-issued records like birth, marriage, and death certificates skip the notary step. We review your documents and tell you exactly which path applies.
Can you rush apostilles for documents issued in other states?
Yes, but most other state Secretaries of State do not offer in-person same-day service the way California does. We coordinate priority-mail filing and expedited courier return, and we give you a realistic best-case window before you commit.
How do I know if I need an apostille or consular legalization?
Apostilles are used for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries outside the Convention require consular legalization, which is a longer multi-step process and cannot be completed same-day. Tell us the destination country and we will confirm the correct path.
Will the original be returned with the apostille attached?
Yes. The apostille is attached directly to your original document and returned to you by secure courier, in-person handoff, or overnight mail. We confirm the return method in writing before filing.