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California Apostille Services

Notary Services

January 18, 2026•2 min read

Expert California Apostille Services: International Document Authentication Made Simple

If you have been asked to provide an Apostille for a document going abroad—whether for a job in Spain, dual citizenship in Italy, or a wedding in Mexico—the process can be intimidating. In California, an Apostille is a specialized certificate from the Secretary of State that authenticates the signature of the notary public who witnessed your document.

At X Mobile Notary, we specialize in the "Notary Stage"—the most critical part of the entire chain. One error here, and your document will be rejected by the State, costing you weeks of time.

Why "Apostille-Ready" Notarization is Critical

The California Secretary of State is notoriously strict. The #1 reason for rejection is incorrect or outdated notary wording. Retail shipping stores often use "standard" stamps that do not meet the 2026 California requirements for international documents.

X Mobile Notary ensures your documents are accepted by:

Applying Precise CA Wording: We use the exact "Jurat" or "Acknowledgment" verbiage required for state authentication.
Verifying Document Eligibility: We help you determine if a document can be notarized directly or if it requires a certified copy from the County Clerk first (standard for birth/death certificates).
Starlink Connectivity: We check the latest Secretary of State requirements on the spot using our high-speed mobile internet.

Common Documents We Prepare for Apostille

We provide mobile notary services for residents and businesses across Pacifica, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin for:

Personal Records: Diplomas, Transcripts, Background Checks, and Power of Attorney for personal affairs.
Corporate Documents: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Commercial Invoices for global trade.
Legal Authorizations: Specialized Power of Attorney for selling property or handling legal matters abroad.

The Anatomy of the Apostille Process

The path to international document acceptance follows a specific hierarchy:

The Original Document: Gathering your diploma, contract, or record.
The Notarization: Brenda verifies your identity and applies California-compliant wording.
The Authentication: The Secretary of State verifies the notary’s commission and attaches the Apostille certificate.
Global Acceptance: Your document is legally recognized in any country that is a member of the Hague Convention.

Ready to Secure Your International Documents?

Don't trust your sensitive international paperwork to a retail clerk. Brenda Johnson is $100,000 E&O Insured and understands the high technical stakes of international authentication.

Hometown Perk: $0 Travel Fee for Pacifica 94044 residents.
Call/Text: (650) 910-5650
Book Your Appointment: xmobilenotary.com/book

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Brenda Johnson

Brenda Johnson is a NNA-certified Mobile Notary and Loan Signing Agent based in Pacifica, CA. Specializing in estate planning and real estate closings, Brenda combines a full mobile office with a commitment to professional, stress-free service across San Mateo and San Francisco counties. When she's not helping clients navigate important life milestones, she’s bringing "X Marks the Spot" reliability to the Greater Bay Area.

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Meet The Notary

Brenda Johnson

Feel free to call, email or text me anytime Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm PST

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (650) 910-5650

Schedule Your Service

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your mobile notary fees and specialty rates?

We believe in transparent, up-front pricing. Our standard rate is $15.00 per signature on the Notarial Certificate. Specialty packages tailored for the Bay Area include:

Estate / Family Trusts: $150.00

Real Estate Seller Packages: $100.00

Real Estate Buyer / Loan Packages: $150.00 – $200.00 (depending on page count)

Home Equity (HELOC): $150.00

Reverse Mortgages: $100.00

What are the travel fees for mobile service?

Pacifica Locals (94044): We offer NO travel fee for residents with a valid 94044 ID.

San Francisco: $35

San Mateo: $40

Marin County: $45 (including Golden Gate Bridge fee)

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

To complete a notarization, you must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include:

California Driver’s License or ID Card.

U.S. Passport or P.I.V. card.

Foreign Passports (stamped by USCIS).

What if my ID is expired? In California, an ID is acceptable only if it was issued within the last 5 years, even if it has recently expired. If you have no ID, we may be able to use "Credible Witnesses" who personally know you—call us for details.

Can you provide witnesses for my signing?

Yes. If your document requires witnesses (common in Wills and Deeds), we can provide them with advanced notice for $25.00 per witness.

What makes your mobile office "full service"?

Retail stores often cannot handle large legal or loan packages. Our vehicle is a high-tech office on wheels:

Dual Tray Laser Printer: Handles mixed letter and legal-sized documents perfectly.

High-Speed Scanning: Immediate "scan-backs" to your attorney or lender.

Starlink Wi-Fi: We have 100% connectivity for document downloads even in coastal "dead zones" or remote areas.

Do you offer Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

No. While California has passed legislation to allow RON, the Secretary of State has indicated it will not be implemented until at least 2030. We currently only offer in-person mobile services.

What if my ID is expired?

In California, an ID is acceptable only if it was issued within the last 5 years, even if it has recently expired. If you have no ID, we may be able to use "Credible Witnesses" who personally know you—call us for details.

Can you notarize documents at hospitals or nursing homes?

Yes! Brenda is experienced in "Bedside Signings." We frequently travel to hospitals and care facilities throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco to help families with Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney. We bring a calm, patient, and professional presence to these sensitive environments.

What is a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNTDA)?

Brenda is specifically certified (NNA, Notary2Pro, and LSS) to deliver and execute estate plans. This goes beyond just stamping a page; it means we understand the flow of a Trust package and ensure every initial is captured to prevent your legacy from being contested.

Is Remote Online Notary (RON) available in California yet?

Not yet. While the law has passed, the California Secretary of State has indicated that it won't be operational until at least 2030. Beware of out-of-state platforms; for California real estate and trusts, an in-person mobile notary is still the gold standard for security and acceptance.