# What an apostille certifies

Lesson 1 of [Apostille foundations for document holders](https://apostilles.fyi/academy/apostille-foundations.md), 12 minutes.

An apostille is a certificate that a designated office attaches to a public document. It lets the document be used in another country that is a party to the 1961 Apostille Convention, without more stamps. It works only when both countries are parties: the one that issued the document and the one where you will use it.

## What it certifies

An apostille answers three questions:

- Whose signature is on the document?
- Whose seal or stamp is on the document?
- Did the person who signed have the authority to sign?

## What it does not certify

An apostille says nothing about whether the content of the document is true. The office that receives your document still judges the content. An apostille also does not make a wrong document right. Offices work from originals, or from certified copies that the registry issues. A plain photocopy does not qualify.

## Apostille or legalization

The two countries decide the path. The issuing office cannot choose for you.

- If both countries are parties to the Convention, one apostille usually serves.
- If either country is not a party, the document needs consular legalization instead. An office at home authenticates the document first. Then the embassy or consulate of the destination adds its own stamp.

The HCCH publishes a status table that lists the contracting parties. At its update of 30 June 2026 it listed 130 parties. Check the table, or use the checker tool on this site, before you start. Then ask the receiving office to confirm what it accepts.

## What to do with this

Before you contact any office, write down two facts: the country that issued the document, and the country where you will use it. Then ask the person who asked for the document which form they accept.

## Sources

- HCCH Apostille Section, status table: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
- Apostille Finder guide: Apostille or legalization: which one your document needs (updated 2026-10-07)

This course is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Also on the [web page](https://apostilles.fyi/academy/apostille-foundations/what-an-apostille-certifies).