Apostille for China · California Documents
Apostille for China from California
China joined the Hague Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023 — a California apostille now replaces the former multi-step authentication chain for most submissions. Confirm acceptance with your receiving authority.
Documents we apostille for China
Birth certificate
For Chinese civil registration and spousal/family reunion visa applications with the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for recognition at Chinese Civil Affairs Bureau and consular registration.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for Chinese employment and residency permits.
Diploma & transcripts
For credential recognition at Chinese universities and professional licensing through the Ministry of Education.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for real estate transactions and legal representation before Chinese authorities.
Single-status declaration
Notarized affidavit apostilled for marriage registration at the Chinese Civil Affairs Bureau.
How the China apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and ready for the China route before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- China routing. China has been a Hague member since November 7, 2023. Confirm with your receiving authority — Civil Affairs Bureau, university, or employer — that the apostille route is accepted for your specific document type.
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
China apostille — FAQ
Yes, since November 7, 2023. China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on that date. Before then, California documents required a full authentication chain: California SOS → U.S. Dept of State → Chinese Embassy or Consulate. After November 7, 2023, a California apostille is the correct route — but confirm acceptance with your specific receiving authority, as implementation varies.
Before November 7, 2023, documents went through: (1) California Secretary of State certification, (2) U.S. Department of State authentication in Washington D.C., (3) Chinese Embassy or Consulate legalization. The Hague apostille replaced all three steps.
Yes, in most cases. Chinese government agencies and courts require Chinese-language translations. Use a translation service accepted by your receiving authority — China does not maintain a national registry of sworn translators equivalent to other countries.
No. FBI Identity History Summary documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., not California SOS. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route for FBI checks.
Status and requirements for China verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.