Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I get my response notarized as required by the foreign government from where I am attempting to adopt a child?

   The Department of Justice does not provide notarized responses, however, your response may be submitted to the California Secretary of State Office for an Apostile Certification.

2. Can you mail my visa/immigration response directly to the foreign government?

   No. The Department of Justice only provides the response to the requestor.

3. How long will it take to receive a response?

   Normal processing time varies (2 to 3 days to 8 weeks) depending on the completeness of the individual’s criminal history record.

4. Can my request be expedited for an additional charge?

   No. Unfortunately at this time, the Department of Justice does not offer an expedited process.

5. How do I obtain certified copies of court documents?

   The Department of Justice does not maintain or provide certified copies of court documents. The Courts are the only institutions that can provide you with a certified copy of a court document. Please contact the Court with jurisdiction over your particular case(s) for certified documents.

6. Can the response letter be modified to meet the requirement of a foreign government?

   No. The Department of Justice does not provide individually tailored response letters. Please contact your U.S. Senator’s office for assistance with this requirement.

7. Who do I call if I have additional questions regarding the VISA/Immigration/Foreign Adoption process?

   Additional questions regarding the VISA/Immigration/Foreign Adoption process can be directed to the Record Review & VISA/Immigration Unit at (916) 227-3835.