California
USDA Animal Health Export Certificate Apostille in California
How California residents get their USDA Animal Health Export Certificate authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the California Secretary of State can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in California. Federal documents like your USDA Animal Health Export Certificate are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the California Secretary of State can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- California apostille office
- California Secretary of State, Sacramento
- Our nearest office
- Washington, D.C. (by mail)
- Price
- $299 per document, government fees included
Why living in California doesn’t change the route
This document is issued by USDA — APHIS Veterinary Services, a federal authority. Federal documents are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the California Secretary of State in Sacramento has no authority over them, and a state apostille on a federal document will be rejected abroad.
So the process for California residents is the same as for anyone else in the country: get the document to us, we hand-deliver it in Washington, and it comes back ready to use.
About the USDA Animal Health Export Certificate
A veterinary health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, required to export live animals, breeding stock and animal products.
What the California Secretary of State can do
The California Secretary of State in Sacramento issues apostilles for documents signed by California officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from California registrars, California state-court records, and documents notarized by California notaries. It has no authority over federal documents such as FBI reports, USCIS certificates or IRS letters.
State offices set their own procedures and fees, so confirm current requirements with the office before submitting a state document.
Getting it done from California
We serve California by mail from our Washington, D.C. headquarters, close to the Office of Authentications. There’s no need to visit an office in person.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Serving Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento and everywhere else in California.
USDA Animal Health Export Certificate in California — FAQ
Can the California Secretary of State apostille my USDA Animal Health Export Certificate?
No. This is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can authenticate it. A state apostille on it would be rejected abroad.
Do I have to travel to Washington, D.C. from California?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most California clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from California?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$299 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Related: USDA Animal Health Export Certificate — full guide · All documents in California · Federal vs. state apostille
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.