What a California driver license apostille is and when you need one
An apostille is an official certification that your California driver license is genuine. It is a single page attached to your license that confirms the signature and seal on your license are real. You need an apostille when you plan to use your California driver license in another country — for work, school, travel, or legal matters — and that country requires proof the document is authentic.
The apostille itself does not change your license or give you new rights. It straightforward tells a foreign government or organisation that your license came from California and is legitimate. Some countries require an apostille for any official document you present; others ask for one only in specific situations, such as opening a bank account or enrolling in university.
The apostille is issued by the California Secretary of State, not by the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is an important distinction because you cannot get one at a DMV office — you must request it separately through the Secretary of State's office.
Key Takeaways
- An apostille is a certification page that proves your California driver license is authentic, issued by the California Secretary of State.
- You need an apostille only if you are using your license in another country and that country requires proof of authenticity.
- You can request an apostille by mail, in person at the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento, or through a third-party document service.
- The process takes one to two weeks by mail and costs a small fee that varies depending on how you submit your request.
- You must send or present your actual driver license to receive an apostille; the Secretary of State will return it with the apostille attached.
How to request an apostille by mail
Mailing in your request is the most common way to get an apostille. You will need to send your original California driver license, a completed request form, and a check or money order to the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento.
First, complete the Apostille Request Form, which is available on the California Secretary of State website. The form asks for basic information: your name, the document you need certified (your driver license), and how many apostille copies you want. Most people request one, but you can ask for multiple copies if you need them for different purposes or organisations.
Include your original driver license with the form. Do not send a copy — the Secretary of State must see the actual license to certify it. Write your name and phone number on the envelope so staff can contact you if there is a problem. Mail everything to the Secretary of State's office at the address listed on their website.
Processing time is typically one to two weeks. The office will return your license with the apostille attached. If you need it faster, you can request expedited service, though this costs more and availability varies.
Requesting an apostille in person in Sacramento
If you live near Sacramento or can travel there, you can walk into the Secretary of State's office and request an apostille on the same day. Bring your original driver license, the completed Apostille Request Form, and payment in cash, check, or card.
The office is located in downtown Sacramento. Hours and exact procedures change, so call ahead or check the Secretary of State website before you go. Processing time in person is usually the same day or within a few hours, depending on how busy the office is.
This option is faster than mail but requires you to travel to Sacramento. If you live far away, the time and cost of travel may outweigh the speed benefit.
Using a third-party document service
Some companies specialise in obtaining apostilles and other document certifications. These services charge a fee on top of the Secretary of State's fee, but they handle the mailing and paperwork for you.
To use a service, you send them your driver license and payment. They mail it to the Secretary of State, wait for the apostille, and mail it back to you. This is convenient if you do not want to handle the process yourself, but it takes longer because the document travels through an extra step.
Research any service carefully before using it. Check reviews and confirm they are legitimate. Some services are reliable; others are slow or unreliable. The Secretary of State's office can tell you which services they work with regularly.
What the apostille costs
The California Secretary of State charges a fee for each apostille. The exact amount depends on how you submit your request — mail, in person, or expedited — and the fee can change. Check the Secretary of State website for the current price before you send your request.
If you use a third-party service, you will pay both the Secretary of State's fee and the service's own fee, which is usually between $25 and $75 depending on the company and how fast you need it.
Payment methods vary by how you submit. By mail, send a check or money order. In person, most offices accept cash, check, and card. Ask the office which methods they take before you go.
What happens after you receive your apostille
When the apostille arrives, it will be a separate page attached to your driver license. The page bears the Secretary of State's official seal and signature and states that your license is authentic.
Keep the apostille attached to your license when you present it to a foreign government or organisation. Do not separate them. If you need multiple apostilles for different countries or purposes, you can request more than one when you submit your original request, or you can submit a new request later.
Your driver license itself does not change. You can still use it normally in California for driving, identification, and any other purpose. The apostille is straightforward an additional certification for use outside the United States.
When you might not need an apostille
Not every country or situation requires an apostille. Some countries do not ask for one, or they accept other forms of proof that your license is real. Before you request an apostille, check with the country, organisation, or government office where you plan to use your license.
Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are moving to, the university or employer you are explore to, or the bank or agency you are dealing with. Ask them directly whether they need an apostille for a California driver license. This saves you time and money if an apostille is not actually required.
Some places accept a certified copy of your license instead of an apostille, or they may have their own verification process. Getting this information first prevents you from paying for something you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an apostille?
By mail, one to two weeks is typical. In person at the Sacramento office, you may get it the same day or within a few hours. Expedited mail service is faster but costs more. Third-party services usually take longer because your document has to travel to them, then to the Secretary of State, then back to you.
Can I get an apostille if my driver license is expired?
Yes. An expired license is still a valid document that can be certified. The apostille confirms that your expired license is authentic, which is what many countries and organisations need. You do not have to renew your license first.
What if I lose my license while it is being apostilled?
Contact the Secretary of State office when ready and tell them your license is lost. They will stop processing your request and return any payment. You will need to get a replacement license from the DMV before you can request an apostille again.
Do I need an apostille if I am just traveling to another country for vacation?
Probably not. Most countries accept a valid California driver license as identification for travel and car rental. An apostille is needed when you are moving, working, studying, or conducting legal or financial business in another country. Check the specific country's entry requirements and the organisation you are dealing with to be sure.
Can I request an apostille for a copy of my driver license instead of the original?
No. The Secretary of State must certify the original document. Copies cannot be apostilled. You must send your actual driver license and it will be returned to you with the apostille attached.