California Vital Records
Death Certificate Apostille
Settling an estate, closing a foreign bank account, stopping a pension or transferring property abroad. We handle the apostille carefully and quickly, so you can focus on your family.
- Government fee included
- Rush and same-day available
- Open every day 8am–10pm
At a glance
Which Copy Works
Funeral homes usually order the first certified copies from the county Public Health office. Those can carry the signature of a local registrar or Health Officer, which California will not apostille until the County Clerk-Recorder certifies it. The simplest fix is to order a copy from the county recorder (in Santa Barbara County, 1100 Anacapa Street or Santa Maria) or from CDPH. We check this before anything is submitted.
Order Extra Copies
Foreign banks, pension funds and land registries often keep the document. If you are dealing with more than one institution abroad, apostille more than one copy at the same time. Each copy is priced separately at $110.
Wills, Powers of Attorney and Court Orders
Estates abroad usually need more than the death certificate: a certified copy of probate letters from the Superior Court, a notarized affidavit of heirship, or a power of attorney for someone to act locally. All of these can be apostilled by California, and we can notarize signatures at the office or at your home.
What You Need
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- The destination country
- Any related court or estate documents
Not sure this is the right document or the right apostille? Call (805) 866-4199, any day 8am–10pm. We will tell you exactly what your destination needs before you pay for anything.
How It Works
Done for You, Start to Finish
01
Book Online
Pick the service and a time, and pay securely. Or call and we will set it up with you.
02
Drop Off or Mail
Bring it to 1117 State St, book a mobile visit, or mail it in. We notarize first if your document needs it.
03
We Submit It
We check it, then submit it to the California Secretary of State for the apostille.
04
You Get It Back
Pick it up at the office or choose tracked return shipping anywhere in the world.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member who is not the next of kin request the apostille?
Yes. Anyone holding a valid certified copy can have it apostilled. Restrictions apply to ordering the authorized copy from the county, not to the apostille.
The death occurred abroad. Can you help?
A death abroad is recorded by that country. U.S. citizens may also have a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which is a federal document apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. We handle federal apostilles too.
Can you come to us?
Yes. Our mobile service can collect documents and notarize signatures at your home anywhere in the Santa Barbara area. The travel fee depends on distance and is paid at the visit.
Ready to Get Started?
Book online in a few minutes, or call and talk to a person. Open every day, 8am to 10pm.