What is an Apostille?

I've been asked this question a couple of times.

An apostille is an official certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in a foreign country. It is issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was created, confirming that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is legitimate.

Apostilles are typically used for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, court judgments, and educational diplomas, when they need to be recognized in countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961. This convention simplifies the process of international document verification.

The apostille ensures that the document is valid and can be accepted in a foreign jurisdiction without requiring further legalization or verification.

Certification, also known as legalization, is a similar process for countries not part of the Hague Convention. It involves obtaining a certificate from the State Department or relevant government office, affirming the authenticity of the document for international use.