Media type · Authenticate a public document
Apostille
A certificate that authenticates a public document for use in another country.
Key facts
| Purpose | Authenticate a public document |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Competent authority in the issuing country |
| Applies | Between Convention members |
| Attached to | The original or certified copy |
| Check | Whether the destination accepts apostilles |
One certificate, one document
An apostille covers the document it is attached to, not a bundle. A birth certificate and a marriage certificate need separate certificates, and a translation may need its own authentication.
Order the certified copies you will need at the same time. Reissuing later from abroad is slower and more expensive.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille a translation?
No. It authenticates a document; a translation is a separate service and may also need certification.
Does every country accept apostilles?
No. Non-members usually require consular legalisation instead.