Document types
Court judgmentApostille basics
Also called: court order, court ruling, court decision.
The document
What it is
A decision issued by a court, such as a ruling, an order or a certificate about proceedings.
Usually issued by: The court, usually through its registry or clerk.
The rule
Can it get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the court judgment.
Article 1 of the Apostille Convention (Hague Conference on Private International Law) lists the public documents it covers: court documents, administrative documents, notarial acts and certificates that an authority places on private documents.
Step by step
How to get an apostille for a court judgment
- Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it.
- Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document.
- Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
The office, fee and steps differ by country. Open the guide for the country that issued the document, or check two countries to see whether an apostille works where you need it.
Note: Good to know
- Ask the court for a certified copy signed by the registrar; that signature is what the apostille confirms.
Country guides
Offices that list this document
The apostille office in these countries names this kind of document on its own website. Each guide shows the office, fee and steps.
Questions
Questions about a court judgment
What is a court judgment?
A decision issued by a court, such as a ruling, an order or a certificate about proceedings.
Can a court judgment get an apostille?
Yes. It comes from an authority, so it is a public document under Article 1 of the Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued in the country that issued the court judgment.
How do I get an apostille for a court judgment?
Get the original, or a certified extract, from the office that issued it. Apply for the apostille in the same country, at the office that country has designated for this kind of document. Check with the office that will receive it whether it also needs a translation.
What does the apostille confirm?
An apostille only confirms the signature, the role of the person who signed and any seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm what the document says. The office that receives the document decides what it accepts.
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