One of the most important aspects of my role as California’s Secretary of State is ensuring that the services we provide are accessible, efficient, and customer-friendly for everyone. A perfect example of this commitment is our innovative Apostille Pop-Up Shops program, which has been a game changer for so many Californians.
For those who may not be familiar, an Apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the signature of a public official on documents intended for use outside the United States. Common documents requiring an Apostille include birth and marriage certificates, college transcripts, and powers of attorney. These are critical documents, and the process to obtain an Apostille can sometimes be daunting, especially for those who live far from our brick-and-mortar offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
This is why I am incredibly proud of our Apostille Pop-Up Shops. This initiative was born out of our commitment to bring our services directly to the people who need them, rather than expecting them to come to us. We have partnered with local county officials across California to set up temporary in-person Apostille services in community locations like county offices and local libraries.
The Apostille Pop-Up Shops have proven to be more than just a service; they have become a vital part of our outreach to communities all around the state. The response has been truly positive. People have shared how much they value this service, whether it is saving them a day’s travel or hundreds of dollars in fees. In fact, every county we have visited so far has asked us to return—and we are more than happy to oblige. Hearing these testimonials reminds me that our work is making a real difference in people’s lives.
We have already seen great success with this program in cities like San Francisco and San Diego, where two-day events allowed us to serve a large number of people efficiently and effectively. And this is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding this service to even more communities across the state.
As your Secretary of State, I am dedicated to continuing these efforts and finding new ways to serve you better. The Apostille Pop-Up Shops are just one example of how we are bringing government closer to the people it serves. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing how much more we can accomplish together.
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