Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is my service?
I provide a dedicated courier service to hand-deliver your pre-prepared documents to the California Secretary of State's office in Los Angeles and return them to you once processed. I handle the trip downtown so you don't have to. Please note: I am a courier service only and do not review, prepare, or notarize documents.
What documents can you courier?
Any documents that the California Secretary of State accepts for apostille or authentication, including:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Power of attorney documents
- Corporate or business filings
- Court records
Note: Documents must be properly notarized (if required) before I can courier them.
Do you provide notarization, translation, or legal advice?
No. I am strictly a courier. You'll need to arrange notarization, translation, or legal preparation separately before sending me your documents.
How do I place an order?
You can either:
- Fill out my simple online order form.
- Download and complete the Mail-In Request Form (PDF)
- Email me at courier@apostilleroute.com
What happens after I place an order?
You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions for sending your documents. Once I receive them, I will provide a status update and schedule my courier run. I will send you further updates when I am on my way to the SOS, after submission, and once your apostilled documents are back in my hands, ready for return.
Do I need an Apostille Request Cover Sheet?
Yes, a cover sheet is required by the state. For your convenience, you can download the latest cover sheet directly from the California Secretary of State's website. Please include it with your documents.
Forgot to send it? No problem. As part of my service, I will print and complete the required cover sheet for you.
Do you provide status updates?
Yes. I believe in clear communication. I will send your email or text updates at key steps so you always know the status of your documents.
How do I pay?
Payment is required to secure our order. I accept:
- Credit/Debit card
- Venmo
- PayPal
Do you accept documents by mail?
Yes, I accept mail-in documents from anywhere in the U.S. Please remember to include the Apostille Cover Sheet, Secretary of State fees, and a return shipping label.
Do you offer local pickup and drop-off?
Yes, I do! I offer pickup and drop-off within the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley area, including Alhambra, Arcadia, Monterey Park, Temple City, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, San Marino, and nearby cities.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, if you provide a prepaid international shipping label.
How long does it take?
The entire process typically takes 5 business days from when I receive your documents. This includes my 3-5 business day window to submit them and the Secretary of State's own processing time. My hand-delivery service is often significantly faster than mailing the documents directly to the SOS, as they can take 4 weeks or more.
Do you offer rush service?
Yes. Rush requests are subject to availability and a surcharge.
Can you guarantee same-day service?
No. Processing times are controlled by the California Secretary of State and my schedule. I will keep you updated every step of the way, but I cannot guarantee same-day return.
Are courier fees refundable?
No. Courier fees are non-refundable once a run has been attempted, since they cover my time, mileage, and effort in submitting the documents at the SOS counter.
What if there's an error on your end?
My service is built on reliability. If I make a mistake (e.g., failing to submit your documents), I will correct it and complete the run at no additional courier charge.
What if the Secretary of State rejects the documents?
I act as your courier, not a document preparer. If the SOS rejects documents due to being incomplete, improperly notarized, or ineligible, my courier fees are still due for the service rendered. Please note that all government fees paid to the SOS are also non-refundable.
Where can I read your full terms?
You can review my complete policies here: [ Refund Policy ], [ Terms & Conditions ], and [ Privacy Policy ].
Do you work weekends or evenings?
Yes. Evenings and weekends are my preferred service times for local pickups and client coordination. My courier runs to the California Secretary of State office in Los Angeles is typically conducted on weekday mornings or afternoons.
Note: Please schedule in advance so I can confirm availability.
Do you work with repeat business clients?
Absolutely. I partner with law firms, adoption agencies, and other businesses that require regular, reliable apostille courier services. Please ask me about arrangements for repeat or bulk orders.
Are my documents safe?
Yes. This is my highest priority. I personally handle every courier run myself. Your documents are kept secure in a locked bag during transport and in a locked cabinet when in my office. They are never left unattended.
Are you a notary public?
Not yet. I am currently working toward receiving my California Notary Public commission, which will allow me to expand services in the future.
I act solely as a courier to transport, submit, and return documents as directed by the client. I do not review documents for accuracy, completeness, or eligibility for an apostille. I do not provide notarial services or offer legal guidance. All responsibility for document preparation, eligibility, and correctness rests solely with the client. While I exercise all due care in handling documents, I am not liable for delays or errors made by the California Secretary of State office or for delays caused by carriers used by the client.