Every week, we meet clients who come to us after something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, today’s situation is a perfect example of how one small notarial mistake can lead to major consequences.
A client recently reached out because their document — a California birth certificate intended for use in India — was rejected by the California Secretary of State. The reason? The document submitted was a notarized photocopy of the birth certificate.
And for California vital records, that simply won’t work.
❗ The Costly Mistake Many People Don’t Know About
If a document is a California-issued vital record (such as a birth certificate or death certificate), the Secretary of State requires the original certified copy issued by the state.
A notarized copy — even if properly stamped by a notary — will be rejected.
Unfortunately, this client is now facing missed deadlines, additional fees, and delays with their international document processing in India.
When documents are time-sensitive and intended for international use, there is often no grace period. A rejection can mean restarting the entire process from the beginning.
🧠 Why Experience With Apostilles Matters
At Seal of Approval Mobile Notary & Apostille Services, we don’t just notarize documents — we understand what the Secretary of State will and will not accept.
There’s a big difference between:
- A standard notarization
- A notarization that will successfully pass apostille review
Clients who work with an experienced apostille facilitator save time, avoid rejections, and protect their deadlines. Clients who don’t often pay twice — once for the mistake, and again to fix it.
🌍 Apostilles for India & International Use
India is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means documents must meet very specific requirements to be accepted. Vital records, powers of attorney, affidavits, and legal documents all follow different rules.
Knowing which document requires an original, which can be notarized, and which needs special handling is critical.
This is exactly why our clients trust us with:
- Apostilles for India
- California birth certificate apostilles
- Out-of-state apostilles
- Certified & sworn translations
- Mobile notary services
- Document courier & submission
- Printing and preparation support
📍 Sacramento’s Apostille & Notary Experts
We proudly serve clients throughout:
- Sacramento
- Downtown Sacramento
- Natomas
- West Sacramento
- And surrounding areas
If you’re searching for “Apostille Sacramento,” “notary near me,” or “Secretary of State Apostille,” our goal is to make sure your documents are done right the first time.
✅ Protect Your Timeline — Get It Done Correctly
If your documents are headed overseas, especially for countries like India, don’t guess and don’t risk rejection.
👉 Click “Schedule Your Appointment Here” on our website
OR
👉 Call or text us at 916-800-3970
Seal of Approval Mobile Notary & Apostille Services
Where experience prevents mistakes — and your deadlines stay protected.
P.S. The Secretary of State is closed for New Years Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.