Quick facts
- Confirm whether the destination wants the abstract or the full judgment (#50) — the full judgment is often the better document.
- Some foreign uses require an EXEMPLIFIED copy ($50 + pages, §70628) — confirm before ordering.
- Never notarize the abstract — it's authenticated by the clerk's/recorder's certification.
- General condition rules: no lamination · no post-notarization alterations · no tape · staple multipage · legible signatures/seals.
- Submitting a plain photocopy instead of a clerk/recorder-certified copy.
What to know
Issuing office. The Superior Court clerk (civil / records division) that issued the abstract. (A recorded abstract may also be obtained certified from the county recorder, but for apostille the court clerk's certification of the court document is the clean path.) Certified route (how to obtain a certified copy): 1. Gather the case number, party names, and judgment/abstract date. 2. Request a CERTIFIED copy of the Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001) — "for apostille / international use." 3. If a foreign jurisdiction requires it, request an EXEMPLIFIED (triple-certified) copy instead. 4. Pay the fees (see below). Confirm the clerk's seal and signature are legible. Who can request it. The judgment creditor and their attorney (civil judgments are generally public). Required forms. The court's records/copy request form, if any. Cost + timeline for THIS step (verified June 2026): - Certified copy.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I order?
A certified copy of the Abstract of Judgment (EJ-001) from the issuing court.
Is the abstract or the full judgment better for foreign use?
Usually the full certified judgment (#50), often with a Certificate of finality (#52). Confirm with the destination.
How much is the certified copy?
$40 (Gov. Code §70626(a)(4)).
Can the county recorder certify it?
Yes if recorded, provided that official's signature is on file with the SOS — but the court clerk's certification of the court document is the clean path.
Common destinations
Countries this document is most often sent to (pulled from this page's own guidance). Every destination has its own rulebook — apostille (Hague) or full legalization (non-Hague).